Rest Today

Stardate 11.11.2026

I'm moving slowly today. This is the first day in a while when my body is operating at impulse power.

The changing temperatures and repeated trips across time zones have finally caught up with me. Fortunately, it happened just in time for a much-needed day off.

There are no big plans today. Rest and recovery are at the top of the agenda.

We're getting ready for one more big push that will help us cross the finish line for our last store opening of the year. After everything involved in the recent travels and assignments, I want to be ready for that final mission.

Today gives me an opportunity to recharge. I'm grateful for a little breathing room and the chance to let my body recover.

Jesus understood the importance of rest. In Mark's Gospel, He invited His disciples to step away for a while.

Scripture — Mark 6:31 (NIV)

"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

Those words feel especially appropriate today.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

I'm thankful for another day, another opportunity to recover, and the grace that meets us wherever we are.

Live long and prosper. 🖖

---

Captain's Addendum

Spock: "Captain, your current operating speed appears to be considerably below normal."

Bones: "For once, Spock, I agree with you. Let him rest. His body is trying to tell him something."

Spock: "An appropriate allocation of resources, Doctor."

I suppose even a starship needs time in spacedock. Today, I'm taking the opportunity to recharge before our next mission. Sometimes listening to our bodies is one of the wisest decisions we can make.

In Search of the Missing Blue Shoes

 Stardate 11.10.2026

My new blue Hokas have gone missing in action.

I purchased them less than two weeks ago. Somewhere along the way during my recent travels, I believe I left them behind in San Diego.

I've retraced my steps and filed a report with the rental car company. So far, no luck. It looks like I may need another do-over.

This is what happens when I find myself rushing. Trying to squeeze one more thing into an already busy schedule can lead to unexpected consequences. Apparently, my new shoes have become the latest casualties.

There is one part of the trip I wouldn't change. I made time to visit my dad at Fort Rosecrans Cemetery. That visit was important to me, and I'm grateful I had the opportunity. Even if it may have cost me the Hokas I had just purchased, I'd make that trip again.

The mission continues. I'll figure out the shoes eventually.

Meanwhile, my body has been sending a few reminders of its own. The changes in temperature and time zones have taken some getting used to, and I lost my voice toward the end of yesterday. Tomorrow, I've scheduled a full day of rest.

I think that's a pretty good decision.

Proverbs 19:2 (NIV) offers a timely reminder:

"Desire without knowledge is not good—how much more will hasty feet miss the way!"

Perhaps I should keep that verse handy the next time I'm rushing through an airport or gathering my belongings before checking out of a hotel.

For now, the missing blue shoes remain a mystery. Tomorrow's mission is much easier to identify.

Restoration.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to keep moving forward, one day at a time.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

An Unexpected Hour

Stardate 11.09.2026

Sometimes an unexpected change in plans creates an opportunity we never anticipated.

My trip to San Diego provided one of those moments.

There was one final detail I needed to take care of before heading home. We had an oversized check from our pickleball project that needed to be transported. The ladies involved really wanted us to keep it, so I decided to find a way to make that happen.

I visited the hotel front desk and asked for recommendations. They suggested FedEx. After attending worship in Old Town, I stopped by and learned that shipping the check would cost approximately $200. I decided that would be my personal donation to our group. 

There was another unexpected blessing during the trip.

My flight home was delayed by an hour. That extra time gave me just enough opportunity to locate my dad at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

His resting place is near one of the highest points in the area, overlooking the city. It is such a peaceful setting. I was grateful to have time to visit, spend a few moments with my dad, and take in the view.

Had the flight departed on schedule, I probably wouldn't have made it there.

I had been hoping to visit him, and that unexpected hour made it possible.

The trip home went smoothly, and I'm back in Franklin. My sleep tracking numbers are a little out of the ordinary after several days of travel. That's understandable, and I'll give myself time to settle back into my regular routine.

Today and tomorrow, I'm scheduled to work at 8:45 a.m., so it's time to get moving.

Looking back, I'm thankful for the people I met, the progress being made through our pickleball project, and the opportunity to spend time with my dad.

Our schedules don't always unfold as expected. Sometimes an unexpected hour becomes a memory we carry with us.

Scripture

"My times are in your hands."

— Psalm 31:15 (NIV)

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Captain, the flight delay appears to have produced an unexpected opportunity.

Bones: For once, Spock, I think we can agree that an extra hour was just what the doctor ordered.

Michael's Reflection: I'll take that extra hour with my dad as a gift. Some moments stay with us long after the journey home is complete.

---

Join me here:

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Show Me the Money

 Stardate 11.08.2026

Our time in San Diego is coming to a conclusion. I've been entrusted with bringing our Play it Forward Grant Award home. There's one logistical challenge waiting for me. The souvenir check is oversized, and I'm flying today.

My first item on the agenda is worship. Once my prayers and meditation are complete, I'll turn my attention to figuring out how to get this check home safely without breaking the bank. At approximately two feet by four feet, it presents an interesting challenge. The clock is ticking.

I'd like to extend a special thank-you to our national sponsors, USA Pickleball Serves, for their generous $25,000 donation and for treating members of our Pickleball Iowa County Board to a day of fun at the USA Pickleball National Championships yesterday.

We enjoyed courtside seats during the semifinal matches. The weather couldn't have been any better. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend time together and celebrate an important milestone for our community.

Meanwhile, construction of the four outdoor pickleball courts in Williamsburg, Iowa, is ongoing. The $25,000 grant is helping move this community project forward. There is still work to do, and I'm looking forward to seeing the courts take shape.

Sometimes a mission comes with an unexpected assignment. Today, mine involves getting a very large check through an airport.

I'm grateful to the people who made this possible and to the board members who continue to move the project forward. There are exciting days ahead for Williamsburg.

Scripture

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

— Psalm 107:1 (NIV)

Gratitude seems especially appropriate today. A generous gift, a group of dedicated volunteers, and a community project coming to life give us plenty of reasons to be thankful.

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "Michael, I hope you've figured out how to get that enormous check onto the airplane."

Spock: "The probability of success improves considerably with proper planning, Doctor."

Bones: "Well, let's hope the baggage handlers appreciate the mission."

I've carried plenty of assignments over the years. This one comes with an unusual piece of cargo. I'll do my best to get it home safely and keep the mission moving forward.

A little gratitude goes a long way.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

A Front-Row Seat to a Community Dream

Stardate 11.07.2026

Some days give us an opportunity to step back and appreciate what a group of people can accomplish when they share a common goal.

Today is one of those days.

I'm in San Diego, joining fellow members of our pickleball board for the national pickleball championships. Our group will arrive early for a tour of the venue before settling into box seats overlooking the championship court. We're attending as VIP guests, and I'm looking forward to experiencing the competition alongside the people who have helped make our community project possible.

Getting here provided a little adventure of its own.

Just before boarding my flight, I received word that the rental car company had run out of vehicles and canceled my reservation. I stayed calm, called back, and secured another reservation. Before leaving Milwaukee, I had enrolled in Budget Fastbreak. That preparation made all the difference. I bypassed the long lines, went directly to the fast-track counter, and was soon on my way.

I headed to La Jolla and spent a couple of hours walking along the beach before checking into my hotel. Later, I found a Pizza Nova overlooking the water in Point Loma. It was a relaxing way to begin my San Diego visit.

Today's gathering has a much bigger purpose.

Our Williamsburg organization has been working for more than two years to bring four outdoor pickleball courts to our community. The project has required considerable volunteer effort, and the women serving on our board have carried much of the responsibility.

My professional assignments have kept me traveling across the Midwest for nearly six months. During that time, these ladies continued doing the work. They organized, built relationships, coordinated the effort, and kept the project moving.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place while I was away. I've since received photographs showing the women wearing hard hats and holding shovels as construction officially began.

Those photographs mean a great deal to me.

Our fundraising campaign has now surpassed its $200,000 goal. Pickleball USA made that possible through a $25,000 grant awarded to our organization. This afternoon, we'll participate in a special check presentation recognizing that contribution.

Yesterday, we also received photographs showing the perimeter fence being installed around our future courts. It's exciting to see the project taking shape.

I'm hoping to interview our board leaders and representatives from our new national sponsor during today's event. Their stories deserve to be preserved. My primary responsibility on this assignment is to document the journey, capture the important moments, and help tell the story of the people who brought this dream to life.

When I return home, I'll begin working on Field of Pickleball Dreams, a tribute to the women on our leadership team and all the local businesses and community partners who came together to bring free pickleball opportunities to our community.

The front cover will feature the women who helped make this possible, wearing their hard hats and holding their shovels at the groundbreaking. Giant Iowa corn stalks will frame the photograph.

They deserve that spotlight. They are my heroes.

I've always enjoyed being part of teams that accomplish something meaningful. Today's national championships give me an opportunity to spend time with people who share that same commitment. I'll be listening, asking questions, taking photographs, and enjoying the experience.

Sometimes the most meaningful contribution we can make is to recognize the people around us and preserve the good things they have accomplished.

I'm grateful to have a front-row seat today.

Scripture

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor."

— Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV)

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "Spock, I suppose our Captain has found another team to keep him busy."

Spock: "Indeed, Doctor. His assignment appears to involve documenting the accomplishments of others. A logical application of his talents."

Bones: "Well, I hope he remembers to enjoy the pickleball tournament, too."

I've learned that every worthwhile journey involves people who contribute in ways that may never appear in the headlines. I'm grateful for the ladies who carried this project forward while I was away. I look forward to helping tell their story.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong 

Wheels Up

 Stardate 11.06.2026

This morning, I'm on a plane headed to San Diego. The preparations are complete, my bags are packed, and I'm looking forward to reconnecting with my pickleball board.

The past several months have involved considerable travel. Nearly six months on the road have influenced my daily habits. Preparation has become part of my routine, and yesterday I had everything in place for this three-day adventure. I went to bed knowing my responsibilities were taken care of.

My time in San Diego will include an opportunity to reconnect with fellow board members and continue our work growing the sport of pickleball. Our organization recently received a $25,000 grant from a national sponsor to help bring four outdoor pickleball courts to Williamsburg, Iowa. 

These projects create opportunities for people to come together. I enjoy being part of a team that helps communities discover the benefits of this sport.

Tomorrow, we'll have the opportunity to watch professional players compete in a national tournament. We've been invited as guests, and I'm looking forward to experiencing the competition and spending time with people who share our enthusiasm for pickleball.

On Monday morning, I'll be back in Franklin, Wisconsin, rejoining the team I've been helping develop during our latest store opening.

My role is to develop new talent. I share my experience, help people become comfortable in their responsibilities, and prepare them to lead. Once they're established, we get out of the way. The team carries the mission forward.

I've always enjoyed developing people and watching them grow into their responsibilities. That philosophy carries into my volunteer work and the relationships I build through pickleball.

There is something rewarding about knowing that people are prepared to continue the work. I'll return to Franklin with another opportunity to contribute to the team and welcome new members into the community.

Scripture reminds us in Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV):

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor."

I appreciate the people who share these journeys with me. Every new assignment brings opportunities to learn, contribute, and encourage someone along the way.

The wheels are up. San Diego awaits.

I'm grateful for another opportunity to enjoy the journey and see where God leads.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "I hope you've packed enough energy for all this traveling, Michael."

Spock: "His preparation suggests a highly logical approach to the mission, Doctor."

Bones: "Well, let's hope he remembers to enjoy himself."

I smiled at that exchange. There will always be another team to develop and another opportunity to serve. Today, I'm thankful for the people who make the journey worthwhile.

One percent better, one day at a time.

Live long and prosper!

A Thousand New Members

 Stardate 11.05.2026

Yesterday was a steady day on assignment. There was work to do, people to help, and another opportunity to contribute to the preparations for an upcoming store opening during Thanksgiving week.

One milestone caught my attention.

We reached 1,000 new members.

That's a significant accomplishment for the team. Each day brings another group of people through the doors, and the membership team continues working to help them get started. There are many people contributing to this effort, and I'm grateful to have a role in the process.

Excitement is building as Thanksgiving week approaches. There is plenty happening behind the scenes, and I'm enjoying the opportunity to learn from another group of people. Every assignment introduces me to new personalities, different approaches, and opportunities to share some of the experience I've accumulated over the years.

My own adjustment continues, too.

I'm happy with my hotel room and have a comfortable bed. My sleep has been somewhat inconsistent as my body adjusts to another environment. I've learned that these transitions can take a little time. I'm giving myself permission to settle into a new routine.

There is much learning going on right now, and I'm okay with the process.

Tomorrow I depart for San Diego. I'm looking forward to spending time with the pickleball community and reconnecting with people who share my enthusiasm for the game. It's another opportunity to enjoy something I love while supporting a community that means a great deal to me.

A Little Perspective

Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) offers some encouragement:

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."

I find comfort in those words. Every assignment brings new opportunities to serve, learn, and encourage someone along the way. I pray that God continues to guide the work ahead.

Join me here:

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Captain's Addendum

Spock: Captain, reaching 1,000 new members is a noteworthy development. The team appears to be making logical progress.

Bones: And I hope you'll give that comfortable hotel bed a little credit. Your body could use some cooperation before San Diego!

Spock: Doctor, I believe a little patience would be the most appropriate prescription.

I suppose both gentlemen have a point. There's plenty to appreciate in this season of life. Yesterday brought a thousand new members, today brings another opportunity to learn, and tomorrow offers a new adventure.

I'll take that journey one day at a time.

Captain's Note

"Our calling is not to write perfect words, but to reveal perfect grace through imperfect moments—one percent better, one day at a time."