Luuuucy, I'm Home

Stardate 10.31.2026

There's no place like home.

My Lawrence assignment came to an end yesterday. After several demanding days helping a new location welcome its members, it was time to pack up, return the rental car, and head home.

The previous day had been especially busy. We spent the day signing up 301 new members, keeping everyone moving, and helping the new location get off to a strong start. It was a nonstop day, and I was ready for some rest.

A colleague made my hotel checkout especially memorable. She had picked up a copy of the Lawrence Journal-World hot off the press and dropped it off for me. We had made the front page!

The headline read, "It's Finally Here."

The cover photograph was a drone shot from above, showing a full parking lot at the new location. What a wonderful image of the community's response!

I read the article during the drive home. It was a special reminder of the people who worked together to bring the new location to life. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to be part of the team.

There was another kindness waiting for me. My rental car location approved my request to waive the one-way drop-off fee. That allowed me to return the vehicle in Lawrence and ride home with my wife in her car. She drove while I caught up on some much-needed sleep.

Coming home also meant taking care of something special.

Our daughter had given me a personalized license plate for Lucy. She checked the availability and discovered that Luuuucy was available. Yes, that's Lucy with four U's!

I made a quick visit to the motor vehicle department and picked up the personal plates. Lucy now has a new identity, courtesy of a thoughtful gift from our daughter.

Today's title is a little tribute to Lucille Ball and the television classic I Love Lucy.

Luuuucy, I'm Home!

This morning, I'll be driving Luuuucy to cardio tennis. It's good to be home and back in familiar routines.

Psalm 121:8 (NIV) reminds me:

"The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

Thank you, Jesus, for safe travels, thoughtful people, family, and the many blessings tucked into an ordinary day.

I'm home. And I'm grateful.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

---

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "Spock, I believe our Captain has finally returned to familiar territory."

Spock: "Indeed, Doctor. Although the vehicle appears to have acquired an unusually large number of vowels."

Bones: "Four U's? I suppose that's one way to make a homecoming memorable."

Sometimes the best parts of a journey are the people who help us along the way. Today, I'm grateful for family, colleagues, and the simple blessing of coming home.

Live long and prosper.

A Final Stop Before Heading Home

 Stardate 10.30.2026

There is one more stop on today's schedule before I begin the journey home.

My assignment away from home is coming to an end. This morning, I'll stop by the store to say goodbye to Kayla, our general manager. We've spent the past several weeks working toward the opening of a new store, and yesterday we celebrated that milestone with a ribbon cutting.

The mayor welcomed our new members. Kayla had the honor of cutting the ribbon, and I had the opportunity to watch a team bring months of preparation to life.

I've enjoyed getting to know the people who make this operation work. My role has been to share some experience, encourage new team members, and lend a hand wherever needed. Every day brought an opportunity to connect with someone new.

This morning, I'll have a few minutes with Kayla before checking out of the hotel. Then I'll point the car toward home.

I'm looking forward to being with my family again. There is something special about returning home after an extended assignment. The familiar surroundings and the opportunity to spend time together are gifts worth appreciating.

Psalm 126:3 offers a beautiful reminder:

"The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." — Psalm 126:3 (NIV)

I have plenty of reasons to be thankful this morning. Lawrence has been a good chapter in this ongoing adventure.

Captain's Addendum

Spock: "Your assignment is concluding, Captain. One final visit remains."

Bones: "And I'd say a little time at home is a mighty fine prescription."

Spock: "Agreed, Doctor. The next mission will arrive soon enough."

Sometimes the most meaningful part of an assignment is the people we meet along the way. I'll carry those connections with me as I head home.

Thank you, Jesus, for another opportunity to serve, learn, and encourage others.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Live long and prosper!

Mayor of Lawrence Welcomes New Members

Stardate 10.29.2026

I was up early this morning to witness a special moment in Lawrence. The mayor welcomed our new members just before our general manager, Kayla, cut the ribbon to officially open our new store.

Some members had camped out around midnight, hoping to be first in line for the new deals. By the time the ceremony began, Chamber of Commerce representatives and community members had gathered to watch.

I felt great joy in my heart as I watched everything unfold. Senior members of our team were on hand to thank the new members for their support. There was something special about seeing the community come together to welcome a new business and the people it serves.

I would like to thank the mayor, the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, and the entire community for embracing us so warmly. Your welcome has made this assignment memorable.

Once the ribbon-cutting ceremony was over, I joined my wife for breakfast. We're planning a relaxing swim at the aquatic center before my official shift begins.

Life has a wonderful rhythm when we take time to appreciate the milestones and the people who share them with us. I'm grateful for this morning and the opportunity to be part of something new.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1 (NIV)

Captain's Addendum

Bones: “A ribbon cutting, a community celebration, and breakfast with his wife. I'd say the Captain is off to a pretty good start.”

Spock: “The evidence suggests that gratitude is an appropriate response to a successful morning, Doctor.”

Bones: “For once, Spock, I think we're in complete agreement.”

I am grateful for the welcome we've received in Lawrence. Today is another reminder to appreciate the people who make each new chapter meaningful.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Live long and prosper. 🖖

Someone Believed in Me

 Stardate 10.28.2026

Tonight, our leadership team will gather for a VIP party to thank everyone who helped bring a new location to life. It will be an opportunity to recognize the work behind the opening and celebrate the people who helped prepare the team for its next chapter.

For me, the evening carries a personal meaning. Kayla, our new general manager, played a pivotal role in my career. Seven years ago, she believed in me.

At the time, I was working as a trainer. Two of us carried that responsibility without the supervisor or manager titles held by the other trainers. We also lacked the official credentials.

Kayla encouraged us to become official trainers. She opened a door and gave us the opportunity to develop our skills through training and certification with our organization’s top trainers.

I remember being pulled away from an assignment where I was already helping train people. The work felt important, and I questioned why I needed to leave it for a three-day session. I thought I was there to evaluate new training ideas coming from corporate.

On the final day, one of our leaders played graduation music from a cell phone.

That was when I began to understand. The session had been designed to develop me. I was being prepared to become more effective in future training assignments.

Kayla had recognized an opportunity for me to grow. Her encouragement gave me a chance to learn skills I could carry into years of future work.

Seven years have passed since that training experience.

During that time, I’ve helped more than 10,000 members get started with us. I’ve also trained others to guide new members as they join our family. The organization continues to grow, and I’m grateful to play a part in helping people find their footing as they begin.

Being one of only two trainers without an official leadership title has shaped how I approach the work. I can serve alongside the people I’m training, sharing the experience of someone who has stood where they stand. I’ve noticed that employees often seem more relaxed when they’re learning from someone at their own level.

I know what it feels like to be given an opportunity before you have all the credentials. Someone has to see the potential and be willing to open that door.

Tonight, I’ll watch Kayla take the helm as general manager. I’ll also celebrate the new employees I’ve helped train as they begin their own journeys. The leadership team will have an opportunity to thank everyone who helped make this opening possible.

I’ll be thinking about the decision Kayla made seven years ago and the people who have benefited from the opportunity she gave me.

Psalm 90:17 (NIV) offers a simple prayer: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us.” I find meaning in those words as I look back on the people who helped shape my work and the opportunities to serve others that followed.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain’s Addendum

Spock: Michael, one act of encouragement can influence a great many lives over time.

Bones: Just remember to thank the person who opened the door, Michael. And make sure you leave room for the new crew to shine tonight.

Spock: A sound recommendation, Doctor. The next chapter is already beginning.

I’m grateful Kayla believed in me. I hope I can keep passing that belief along to others, one person and one opportunity at a time.

Six Minutes That Opened My Eyes

 Stardate 10.27.2026

Yesterday, a lunch break brought tears to my eyes.

Lina walked into the building. We had met previously in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where we talked about her journey to the United States. She remembered that I had wanted to see a video about her life.

When I told her I still hadn't been able to find it, she handed me her iPad and invited me to watch the six-minute feature. She then walked away to spend time with her boss.

Within those six minutes, tears were running down my face.

Lina had been a young child when she fled Iraq with her family. Their journey took them through Jordan before they eventually reached the United States. Watching her story, I thought about the courage it takes to begin life again in a new country.

She also shared how she met the man who would become her husband. He fell in love with her and wanted to marry her. Together, they built a family and a life in America.

Lina came to America without speaking English and began her working life pushing carts. Through years of hard work, she advanced into leadership. Today, she is one of six area vice presidents in the Midwest division.

Her story brought back memories of my book, Live Long and Prosper. I wrote about three teammates who came to America as refugees from Moldova, Ukraine, and Cuba. Each built a life here and became an important part of the community around them.

I've spent much of my working life helping people grow. I enjoy seeing someone discover an opportunity and find a place where their talents can make a difference.

I told Lina I wanted to give her a collection of my five books. She is excited to receive them, and I look forward to continuing our conversation.

Yesterday, six minutes on an iPad gave me a deeper appreciation for a woman whose path has crossed mine.

A Team Gathering at Q39

Another highlight of this busy week was a team dinner at Q39 last night, arranged by Angie, our new membership marketing manager.

Approximately two dozen people gathered in a small back room. As more people arrived, we realized we needed additional space. The staff graciously accommodated our request to move to the outdoor seating area.

We ended up with more than thirty people together, including new employees, support staff, and managers. The cool weather added another memorable detail to the evening.

The photographs capture the gathering and the people who made it special. I appreciated the hospitality at Q39 and the opportunity to spend time with everyone.

Thursday's ribbon cutting is approaching, and the days remain busy. I'm grateful for the people I'm meeting and the opportunities to contribute during this assignment.

A Thought to Carry Forward

Paul offers this encouragement in Galatians 6:9:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

— Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

I keep thinking about Lina's journey and the determination it took to build a new life in America. I'm grateful she took those six minutes to share her story with me.

Sometimes, all it takes is a little time and a willingness to listen.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, your emotional response suggests that Lina's story made a considerable impression.

Bones: Six minutes, Michael. And you didn't even need a medical examination to discover you had a heart.

Spock: An observation that is both medically imprecise and entirely consistent with the evidence, Doctor.

I'm thankful Lina remembered our conversation and shared her story with me. I'll carry those six minutes with me as Thursday's celebration approaches, along with the memory of a team making room for one another at Q39.

Another day, another opportunity to listen.

A Sunrise, St. Michael, and the Simplicity of God's Love

 Stardate 10.26.2026

Sunday morning began before sunrise. I had an early shift ahead of me, and I wanted to attend Mass before reporting to work. Finding an early service required some planning, and the drive to Leawood, Kansas, gave me an opportunity to begin the day with a beautiful sunrise.

I left while it was still dark. As I traveled east, the sky began to brighten. Clouds caught the early morning light, and I took a picture to share the moment with others.

I arrived at 7:30 a.m. and discovered another gift waiting outside the church.

A beautiful bronze statue of St. Michael the Archangel stood near the entrance. His wings were spread, his arms were open, and he held a sword in his left hand. I stopped to take a picture and sent it to my wife. She told me she had never seen St. Michael depicted that way before.

I was grateful for the opportunity to capture the image. I had come looking for an early Mass, and the morning was already giving me reasons to be thankful.

A Welcoming Place of Worship

As I entered St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish, Mass was beginning. Behind the altar, I noticed a remarkable image of Jesus above a gathering of people, with rays of light extending downward. St. Michael occupied a central place in the scene.

Scriptural quotations appeared along the church walls, including a passage from Revelation. I did not capture the complete wording, but the artwork and surroundings left a lasting impression.

Here I was, a man named Michael, attending Mass in a church dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel. The statue outside and the artwork inside made the morning especially meaningful.

I was thankful to be there.

The Simplicity of Jesus' Message

The Gospel reading was Matthew 22:34–40. The Pharisees asked Jesus which commandment in the law was the greatest. His answer brought the focus to two essential instructions.

Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.

Love your neighbor as yourself.

Jesus explained that the whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.

I carried those words with me as I thought about the reading and the homily.

Throughout the Gospels, we see religious leaders questioning Jesus. Some challenged him. Others tried to trap him. Jesus continued teaching those who came to hear him, bringing the heart of God's commandments into focus.

Love God with everything you have. Love your neighbor as yourself.

Living those words faithfully takes a lifetime of practice.

If we believe we are created in God's image, that belief should influence how we see and treat other people. Every person we encounter has dignity. Every person deserves compassion and respect, including those we find difficult to love.

That includes our enemies.

Our love for God should be visible in the way we treat the people around us. Each encounter gives us an opportunity to put our faith into practice.

Keeping God First

Attending Mass on Sunday is an important part of keeping my priorities in order.

I joke with my counterparts that if I don't put God first, I lose my superpower.

That is how important my faith is to me.

I need time with God. I need to hear His Word, reflect on His message, and let it guide the way I live. Weekly worship helps me return to what matters most as I prepare to share God's love with the people I encounter.

This Sunday required some planning. I needed to find an early Mass, make the drive, and arrive at work ready to fulfill my responsibilities. I am grateful I made the effort.

A conversation with Nancy also stayed with me.

She told me she appreciates that I keep reminding her how important God is in my life. She has not been attending worship lately, but she enjoys the reminders and the messages I share.

What touched me was her observation that much of the message comes through how I live.

Her words meant a great deal to me.

I cannot know how my example will influence another person's faith. I do know that I want my life to reflect the love God has shown me. If something I say or do encourages another person to think about God, I am thankful for that opportunity.

Sometimes a conversation, a shared story, or a small act of kindness gives someone a reason to reflect on faith.

I want to keep showing up and doing my part.

A Word to Carry Into the Day

As I looked back on Sunday morning, I thought about the sunrise, the statue of St. Michael, the artwork inside the church, and the message from Matthew's Gospel.

I thought about my wife receiving the photograph and Nancy sharing her thoughts with me.

Each moment gave me another reason to be grateful.

The words of Jesus continue to guide me:

Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.

I want those words to influence the decisions I make at work, the conversations I have, and the way I respond when someone needs patience or understanding.

Psalm 90:17 offers a prayer I carry into my daily life:

“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.” — Psalm 90:17 (NIV)

I hope the work of my hands reflects the love of God. I hope the words I share bring encouragement to someone who needs it. And I hope I remember to make room for worship, even when the day's responsibilities require extra planning.

I do not want to lose my superpower.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, your Sunday mission began with a sunrise and ended with two commandments worth practicing for the rest of your life.

Bones: And he still made it to work on time. I'd say the man has his priorities straight, Spock.

Spock: An encouraging observation, Doctor. Though I suspect the Captain's superpower requires regular maintenance.

I laughed at the thought. My faith needs that same daily attention. A little time with God, a willingness to listen, and the choice to treat the next person with love can carry me a long way.

One day at a time. One person at a time.

And tomorrow, another opportunity to begin again.

Live long and prosper.

Open Arms in Lawrence

 Stardate 10.25.2026

Yesterday moved at a fast pace.

Our support team is preparing for Thursday's grand opening, and new members are signing up at an exciting rate. I found myself moving between assignments throughout the day, helping wherever I was needed.

We set up a tent downtown and welcomed prospective members in a park-like setting. Later, I was called back to the main office to help with other responsibilities. The pace kept us moving, and we finished the day strong.

One of the gifts of this assignment has been getting to know the other members of our support team. Everyone shares a commitment to serving our new members and helping the team succeed. There's something encouraging about working alongside people who care about the people they're serving.

Mark stands out in particular.

He's a 4.0 tennis player, just like me, and a Nebraska state champion. His team competed at nationals this year and played well against some of the best competition in the country.

What are the odds that two competitive tennis players would find themselves on the same assignment, helping build a new team?

We enjoyed lunch together between assignments and discovered another connection beyond our work. If schedules cooperate, we may even get to work out together before everyone departs on Friday.

I'll be watching for that opportunity.

By evening, I was ready to slow down a little.

I had dinner downtown with a colleague. We found a spot on the patio and enjoyed an unusually warm autumn evening as the sun began to set.

Then came an unexpected visitor.

A member of the Chamber of Commerce happened to walk by and recognize my colleague. Before long, she and her husband had joined us. Our dinner turned into an enjoyable evening of conversation and shared stories.

We talked about the community's response as we prepare for Thursday's grand opening. People have been welcoming our team with open arms, and it's encouraging to hear their enthusiasm as opening day approaches.

The evening gave us time to enjoy the people around us and talk about what we're building together.

At the end of the day, I called my wife.

Hearing her voice was a wonderful way to close out a busy day. I'm looking forward to seeing her soon. That reunion is getting closer, and I'm grateful for the time we have together when I'm home.

As I look toward Thursday, there's still plenty to do. Yesterday offered a glimpse of the relationships forming along the way: teammates working toward a shared goal, a fellow tennis player with an impressive story, and community members eager to welcome a new business.

I'm grateful I get to be part of it.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael's schedule appears to have involved an unusually high number of changing assignments, Doctor.

Bones: That's one way to put it, Spock. I'd say the man earned a quiet evening.

Spock: And a reunion with his wife appears to be a highly anticipated event.

Bones: For once, Spock, you've got the human part exactly right.

I sometimes find the best moments tucked into a busy day. A shared lunch, an unexpected conversation at sunset, and a phone call home can stay with me long after the day's assignments are finished.

One day at a time. One percent better every day.

Captain's Log: Grateful for the people who make the journey meaningful.