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)
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.
Yesterday, while working on preparations for our new store opening, I had an unexpected encounter with Jamie, the University of Kansas golf coach.
He had a photograph on his phone of me making the familiar Star Trek gesture associated with the words “Live Long and Prosper.” Denise had sent it to him.
I never know where my daily writing or my growing collection of YouTube Shorts might lead. This time, a photograph had helped create a connection I hadn't anticipated.
Then I learned who Jamie was.
A Connection Through Jackson
I asked Jamie about himself, and he explained that he was Jackson's dad. Jackson had recently been hired for a seasonal position at our new store.
That gave us another connection to discuss. I was meeting the father of someone who had joined our team, and Jamie happened to coach golf at KU.
When Jamie and I spoke by phone the other day, I introduced myself by my last name, Mulligan. That gave him another reason to laugh when we connected in person.
In golf, a mulligan is a do-over—a chance to take another shot after a mistake.
The word has followed me throughout my career. I've used the idea of a mulligan when working with new team members, encouraging them to learn from mistakes and keep moving forward. Everyone makes mistakes. How we respond to them can make a difference in what happens next.
A simple introduction had turned into a conversation with an unexpected connection to my work and one of my favorite life lessons.
Building Something New
Our team had plenty to do yesterday. The new store was still under construction, so tents near the entrance served as our welcome center. Our general manager had appeared on the radio to invite people to join us.
People stopped by, asked questions, and signed up for memberships. The team stayed busy helping prospective members while preparing for the grand opening next week on stardate 10.29.2026 at 8am.
Every new membership represented another person choosing to become part of what we're building. These new members are becoming part of our family.
I was grateful to contribute and to see our team working together toward the opening.
In the middle of all that activity, the conversation with Jamie gave me another reminder of how relationships develop. We may set out to accomplish a particular task, then discover an unexpected opportunity to connect with someone along the way.
Jamie also shared something about golf at the elite level: his team is not allowed to take mulligans.
I understand the reasoning. Preparation and accountability matter when you're competing at that level. The goal is to learn from mistakes and make the next shot count.
I've carried that lesson into my own work. When I help someone develop, I want that person to feel accountable for the job while knowing that mistakes can become opportunities to learn.
One Day at a Time
My assignment has taken me away from home for an extended period. Each day brings new people to meet, new challenges to navigate, and experiences worth sharing with my readers.
Yesterday, a photograph sent by Denise brought Jamie and me together. Jackson provided another connection, and our conversation led to a story about golf, work, and the meaning of a mulligan.
I couldn't have planned that sequence.
Proverbs 16:9 offers a fitting reminder:
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” — Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
I make plans for each day. I prepare, do my work, and try to help the people around me succeed. Sometimes, a conversation takes me somewhere I didn't expect to go.
I'm grateful for those moments. They remind me to stay attentive to the people who cross my path and to remain open to what I can learn from them.
Spock: Michael, your conversation with the golf coach demonstrates that even a routine encounter can produce an unexpected discovery.
Bones: And for once, Spock, the Captain didn't need a computer to explain the meaning of a mulligan!
Spock: I believe the Captain's experience supplied sufficient evidence, Doctor.
I've learned that a good mulligan starts with being willing to admit a mistake and take another shot. That applies to golf, to developing people, and to our own daily efforts to improve.
Some days at work become stories worth telling because of the people we meet along the way.
My assignment in Lawrence, Kansas, has given me plenty of opportunities to discover what makes a community special. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to experience that spirit at a local event celebrating Lawrence and the people, businesses, and organizations that serve its residents.
Before leaving for the event, I had an interesting encounter at our new location. A member recognized my voice from a YouTube Short connected to my blog story about Q39. The member knew my voice without seeing my face. I was shocked to discover that my story was reaching people throughout the community.
Once I arrived at the event, I found myself surrounded by people eager to participate, learn, and connect. The atmosphere was lively, and the booths offered a window into the many ways people contribute to their community.
The Lawrence mayor and Bonnie were among those who engaged with us at our booth. It was encouraging to see people take an interest in what we were doing. Conversations like these help build relationships, and relationships are an important part of making a new location feel connected to the community it serves.
There was plenty happening around our booth, too. Q39, the popular barbecue restaurant whose food I had recently reviewed, was right beside us. Their presence drew people to the area, and the team and I had an opportunity to reconnect with the people behind the food.
The Q39 team thanked us, and we talked about a possible celebration involving approximately 24 people before we return to our home locations after completing our mission. I enjoy seeing how a simple conversation can open the door to another opportunity to bring people together.
Across from our booth, another attraction caught my attention.
Meet Dash, the Robot Dog
Dash belongs to the Lawrence Police Department, which purchased the robot for $5,000. Officer Megan was there to demonstrate Dash's capabilities, using a remote control to show visitors how the robot operates.
Dash was interacting with visitors, attracting attention and helping Megan educate the public about the technology law enforcement can use in difficult situations.
What I found especially interesting was learning that Dash has a female companion robot. My impression was that the female robot resembles a Borg ship from Star Trek. That description certainly caught my attention!
The two robots can work together in hostage situations and other dangerous incidents. The companion robot has the ability to break windows to help gain entry into a scene. These capabilities can help officers assess and respond to situations where approaching directly could expose them to serious danger.
Think about the possibilities. When officers face a hostage situation or a murder-suicide scene, the risks can be considerable. Having robotic equipment that can assist in these circumstances may help limit human exposure while giving law enforcement additional ways to evaluate what is happening.
Dash's role at the event was educational, too. Megan was giving members of the public an opportunity to see the technology firsthand and learn how it can be used in the field.
I appreciated the opportunity to learn something new. Behind a robot dog that might initially look like a novelty is a practical application of technology intended to help people working in difficult and potentially dangerous circumstances.
And there I was, standing at a community event, learning about police robotics while representing our own team. You never know what you'll discover when you take the time to talk with people.
That is one of the things I enjoy about storytelling. A conversation that might otherwise last only a few minutes can become a way to share someone else's work, introduce readers to something unfamiliar, and recognize the people who serve their communities.
I also had opportunities to capture photographs and short videos. My growing interest in YouTube Shorts is teaching me to look for these moments as they happen. A short conversation can preserve a person's voice, enthusiasm, and knowledge in a way that complements the written story.
I am learning to see the world through a storyteller's eyes, one encounter at a time.
The event reminded me that a community is made up of many different kinds of people doing many different kinds of work. Some serve through food and hospitality. Others build relationships through local businesses and community organizations. Still others use technology to help protect the public.
Each has a story worth hearing.
As I continue my assignment in Lawrence, I am grateful for the opportunities to meet people, learn from them, and share what I discover. I arrived here to help a team prepare for an important opening. Along the way, I am finding lessons and stories that extend well beyond the workplace.
Sometimes the best part of an assignment is what happens between the scheduled tasks.
And sometimes, it is a robot dog named Dash.
A Scripture for the Journey
“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)
Every conversation, every act of service, and every effort to help another person contributes something worthwhile. We may not always see the results immediately, but we can keep showing up, doing our part, and looking for opportunities to encourage others.
That is a lesson I want to carry with me, one day at a time.
An Invitation to Join Me
If you enjoy these stories about faith, everyday experiences, and the good that people bring into the world, I invite you to join me on Substack.
Spock: “Michael, an interesting day indeed. Even a robotic dog can teach us something about service.”
Bones: “Just don't tell me you're going to recruit one for the next team meeting, Michael.”
Spock: “I would consider that a logical possibility, Doctor.”
Michael's Reflection
I am learning that being a storyteller begins with being willing to pay attention. I don't have to manufacture a meaningful moment. I can listen, ask questions, and give people the space to share what they know.
My encounter with the member who recognized my voice was a reminder that stories can travel farther than we realize. A blog post can become a video, a video can start a conversation, and that conversation can lead to another story worth sharing.
My prayer is that I continue to recognize these opportunities and use my words and videos to help others see the good happening around them.
One day at a time. One story at a time. And always grateful for another mulligan when I need one.
We open our Lawrence location one week from today. The new team is doing well, and members are flocking to join. As launch day approaches, I'm doing my best to manage my stress while helping prepare the team for opening day.
My last two days off included 5.5 hours of indoor pickleball and two consecutive evening swimming sessions. My sleep and energy scores are slowly returning to their normal ranges, even after an extended period away from home. I'm thankful for that progress.
Yesterday, I had to rearrange my schedule because my new pickleball friends urged me to keep playing. We were having so much fun that nobody seemed ready to call it a day.
Here's the deal with pickleball when you're on the road. You show up during open play, place your paddle in the queue according to when you arrived, wait for an open court, and play. Win and stay on the court. Lose, and you can take a break or put your paddle back in the stack. You come and go as you please.
I was shocked when I realized I'd played for three hours. It felt as though I was just getting started!
There's something wonderful about walking into a facility where you may not know anyone, putting your paddle in the queue, and meeting people through the game. Before long, you're sharing laughs, competing, and making new friends. A few hours can pass before you realize how much time has gone by.
We all need social time. Perhaps that's one reason pickleball is exploding in popularity. It brings people together through a shared activity, and friendships develop naturally along the way.
I'm thankful the Pickleball Iowa County team is working so hard to bring outdoor pickleball to our community. The courts are under construction, and I can't wait to see the progress when I get home.
My extended pickleball session meant changing my plans for swimming. I had intended to head straight to the aquatic center after playing, but I didn't realize the pool closed at 12:45 p.m. I had missed the window.
That meant returning after dinner.
By the time dinner was over, I was tempted to skip swimming. I'd already played for three hours, and relaxing for the evening sounded appealing. I thought about my commitment and headed back to the aquatic center for another 30-minute swim.
That was punch number four on my ten-visit swim card.
I was pleased to discover that swimming after dinner didn't prevent me from getting a good night's sleep. My sleep score came in at 82, and my energy score this morning was 79. Those numbers are encouraging as I continue adjusting to life away from home.
Today will be a rest day from pickleball and swimming. My body has put in a good amount of work over the past two days, and recovery deserves a place in the schedule.
Even with a full plate at work, I'm finding time to learn how to make better videos. This is a skill I want to continue developing as I transition from working toward retirement. I'm learning one video at a time, just as I continue learning from each new experience.
The mission clock is ticking. Three years and eight months to go.
I believe I'll continue finding stories as long as I'm healthy enough to travel, have new experiences, and meet people. Every new place offers opportunities to learn something and connect with someone. Yesterday, three hours on a pickleball court gave me a few more friendships and another story to share.
Scripture reminds me:
“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'm thankful for the people I've met during this assignment, the team preparing for launch, and the opportunities to keep learning while I'm away from home.
Spock: Michael, your decision to return to the pool demonstrates commendable consistency. Your body may now submit a request for a slightly quieter day.
Bones: For once, Spock, I agree with the man. Three hours of pickleball and a swim? Give those muscles a little peace, Michael.
Spock: I believe that is precisely his plan, Doctor.
I'm learning to appreciate the unexpected turns in an ordinary day. Yesterday, I stayed on the court because I was enjoying the company. Later, I returned to the pool and completed my swim. Today, I'll give my body time to recover while preparing for another day at work.
There's still a store to open, a team to support, and a video or two to learn how to make.
One day at a time.
Live long and prosper.
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.”
Yesterday was one of those days when a little flexibility opened the door to an unexpected experience.
The weather reached 73 degrees, and I was enjoying shorts and sandals. My day off had room for pickleball, swimming, and dinner with colleagues. I have been working to establish familiar routines while away from home, and these simple activities are helping me enjoy the journey.
Dinner brought us to Q39, a barbecue restaurant with a sign that caught my attention:
Championship Barbecue. Chef Driven. Always Pit to Plate.
We arrived around 4:30 p.m. I had hoped to see Sam, the server I met during an earlier visit, but her shift didn't begin until 5:00. We decided to sit down and eat.
That decision introduced us to Zander.
An Appetizer Worth Sharing
One of the appetizers caught our attention. Thick-cut fries were covered with burnt ends, melted cheese, and other toppings. It was a hearty dish, and I took a photograph to share with my readers.
There was an opportunity to do something else with the visit. Zander agreed to participate in a YouTube Short, giving me another chance to practice capturing the people and experiences I encounter during my travels.
I am grateful when someone is willing to take a few moments to share a story on camera. Every conversation helps me become more comfortable with the process.
Fifteen Seconds at a Time
For more than seventeen years, I have published a daily blog about the good Jesus is doing in my life. Thousands of stories have accumulated along the way, each preserving a little piece of my journey.
Now I am learning to bring those stories to life through video.
My earlier YouTube Shorts featuring Sam and members of the Q39 kitchen team have given me valuable practice. Yesterday's conversation with Zander continued that learning process.
Each Short gives me another opportunity to ask a question, listen carefully, and introduce viewers to someone they might enjoy meeting.
I am taking this one step at a time. There are skills to develop, technical details to learn, and plenty of opportunities to improve. I can work on those things as I go.
The daily blog remains my foundation. Video is opening another door.
A Day with Room to Breathe
The rest of the day offered its own rewards. Pickleball gave me exercise and time with other players. Swimming provided an opportunity to return to the water and continue rebuilding a routine I value.
The weather made it especially pleasant to be outside between activities. Dinner with colleagues gave us time to enjoy a good meal and conversation.
I am thankful for the freedom to make the most of a day off. There is something satisfying about allowing a day to unfold while staying open to the opportunities that come along.
The photograph of the appetizer will preserve the meal. The Short will preserve a conversation. And today's blog will keep the experience alive for readers who join me on this journey.
A Scripture for the Journey
Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, reminding us that there is a harvest in due season if we do not give up.
That verse speaks to the daily work of writing and the new adventure of vlogging. Progress comes through continued effort. I can keep showing up, learning from each experience, and improving a little every day.
I am thankful for the people who give me a chance to practice, for the experiences that become stories, and for the good Jesus continues to place along my path.
Yesterday was a good day for learning. I published one of my best stories yet, and getting the vlog finished took considerable effort. Fortunately, I had a later start to my workday, which gave me enough time to complete the story and publish it without feeling rushed.
I appreciated having that extra time. I could concentrate on the work and enjoy the process.
Lately, I've been spending more time learning how to create YouTube Shorts. Fifteen seconds might not seem like much time to tell a story, but those short clips are teaching me a great deal about vlogging.
There is planning involved, especially when another person is part of the story. I need to coordinate with the person I'm interviewing, think about the moments I want to capture, and be ready when something interesting happens. People have their own schedules, and I want them to feel comfortable participating.
I'm learning as I go.
One of the most interesting discoveries has been the value of building a library of YouTube Shorts. Each clip gives me another piece of material I can use to enhance my storytelling. A brief conversation, an introduction to someone I've met, or a moment worth preserving can add a personal dimension to a written story.
I'm beginning to see how these pieces can work together.
My daily blog has been part of my life for many years. Now I'm learning to bring some of those stories to life through video. The skills I've developed as a writer give me a foundation, and the video work is teaching me new ways to share the experiences that matter to me.
There is plenty of work ahead. I'm genuinely satisfied with the progress I've made, and I'm enjoying the learning process. That combination keeps me motivated.
As I become more comfortable creating short clips, I can gradually expand into longer video sessions. I expect the process to evolve naturally as my experience grows. I can build on what I'm learning now without having to change everything at once.
Fifteen seconds at a time is a good place to start.
Today's plan calls for pickleball and swimming. I may attempt a few more YouTube Shorts if the right moments present themselves. I don't know whether an opportunity will arise, but I'm learning to recognize the possibilities when they do.
For now, I'm enjoying the chance to develop a new skill. There is something satisfying about being a student again, working through the challenges, and discovering that yesterday's difficult task becomes a little easier with practice.
One percent better, one day at a time.
A Little Encouragement
Proverbs 16:3 offers a fitting reminder:
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
I can make plans, prepare for an interview, and work to improve my videos. The results will come through patience, practice, and a willingness to keep learning. I'll do my part and trust Jesus with the rest.
Spock: Michael's collection of fifteen-second videos is developing into a useful storytelling resource. His learning curve appears to be heading in a promising direction.
Bones: That's encouraging, Spock. Just make sure he remembers to put the camera down long enough to enjoy his pickleball game and get in the pool!
Michael's Reflection: I'm grateful for the opportunity to keep learning. Yesterday's work showed me how much I can accomplish when I give myself the time to do it well. Today brings another chance to practice, whether I'm holding a camera, carrying a pickleball paddle, or swimming a few laps. I have a lot left to learn, and I'm looking forward to it.
I walked into Q39 after numerous people in the local community insisted I give this restaurant a try. Their recommendations finally convinced me to visit.
There is always an awkward moment when I walk into a restaurant to dine alone. The hosts naturally point toward the bar area, where solo diners can find a seat. Last night, I was greeted by Sam.
I told her this was my first visit. She welcomed me and seated me in the center of the dining area. When I asked who would be serving me, she smiled and replied, “Me.”
That was my introduction to Sam, and it set the tone for the entire evening.
Perhaps the extensive training she received contributed to her approach. I suspect her natural personality deserves plenty of credit, too.
A Ribeye and a Conversation
I had already decided what I wanted after looking at the online menu. I was planning to order a Kansas City steak but I couldn't find it on the menu Sam brought to my table.
Sam explained that the restaurant was changing its menu as the season changed. Much to my surprise, my favorite cut, the ribeye, was featured on the new menu.
She explained why the ribeye is a favorite, even though it is available only during certain seasons. She also shared information about the restaurant's commitment to local ingredients and the ten-step certification process the Angus beef undergoes.
I wanted to know more, and Sam was happy to share.
Our conversation turned to the training she received to become proficient at her craft. I was curious about the time invested in preparing employees to serve customers properly.
That curiosity would become an important part of my evening.
When Dinner Became an Experience
I was surprised when Josh, the manager on duty, accompanied another server to my table with my food.
My oh my.
If they happen to serve food in Heaven, this is it.
The presentation was wonderful, and the meal lived up to the anticipation. I was enjoying every bite.
I asked Sam if she would be willing to appear in a YouTube Short for a restaurant review I was planning to write.
She lit up.
Her enthusiasm was contagious. I had been writing daily stories for years, and I was discovering new ways to share the people and experiences that make life special. Sam's response gave me the spark to capture this visit on video.
Moments later, Zach, the chef, approached my table, introduced himself, and offered me a tour of the kitchen.
I was beside myself with joy.
The evening was unfolding in ways I never anticipated. I had arrived because people in the community recommended Q39. Sam's enthusiasm inspired me to record a video, and now Zach was inviting me behind the scenes.
Sam returned to check on me and share more about the family behind the restaurant. She asked me to turn around and look at the trophy case I hadn't even noticed when I walked in.
There they were: awards recognizing Q39's achievements in national barbecue competitions.
Sam explained that the trophies displayed at this location were unique to this restaurant. The collection was not duplicated at the other three locations.
I had come to appreciate the food. Now I was learning about the people and the history behind it.
One Man's Vision Becomes a Family Legacy
The founder, Rob Magee, had a vision. He dreamed big and worked to turn that dream into reality.
Kansas City has long been famous for its barbecue. Rob built a place for himself in that proud tradition.
Today, four restaurants serve customers, and the business has earned hundreds of national awards, including grand-prize honors and prize money.
A dream became a business, and that business became a family legacy.
Collin, Rob's son, joined me at my table and shared stories about his family. He told me about a barbecue competition he entered while still in grade school. His father coached him step by step, helping him earn a third-place trophy.
A photograph of father and son hangs on the walls of Q39, with the younger Collin wearing a chef's hat. I took a photograph to capture Collin alongside the image of his proud father.
That childhood trophy carries a special meaning. It represents a father who invested his time in teaching his son, sharing his knowledge, and helping him discover what he could accomplish.
Rob's influence remains visible throughout the restaurants.
The family's story continues today, with Collin's mother, Kelly Magee, at the helm. Rob's legacy lives on throughout all four restaurants in the Kansas City and Lawrence areas, a lasting reminder of the vision he brought to life.
The Secret Sauce Is in the Details
One thing Sam shared with me has stayed with me: the time and attention invested in training new employees.
At Q39, training is a priority. The restaurant invests in helping new hires learn their responsibilities and understand the standards expected of them.
That investment matters.
A restaurant can serve exceptional food, but the people who welcome guests, answer questions, explain the menu, and deliver the meal help shape the entire experience.
Sam demonstrated that from the moment I walked through the door.
Her enthusiasm encouraged me to ask questions. Those questions led to conversations about the food, the kitchen, the family, and the training that supports the restaurant's service.
The secret sauce is in the details.
I see a connection to what I have been learning during my away mission. Whether we're training a new employee, welcoming a customer, or building relationships in a community, the details matter. People remember how we make them feel.
The same principle applies to storytelling.
I could have written about any number of exceptional restaurants. The community recommendations brought me to Q39, and Sam's welcome inspired me to tell this story.
Before the evening was over, I had recorded YouTube Shorts featuring Sam and Zach. Sam even scanned my QR code so she could read the story when it was published.
I love that she will have an opportunity to see how her enthusiasm inspired me to share the experience with others.
A Place I'll Visit Again
Q39 has earned a place on my list of restaurants to revisit before my time on assignment comes to an end.
When my wife visits, this is one of the places I want to take her.
I look forward to sharing the food, introducing her to a place the local community encouraged me to discover, and telling her about the people I met along the way.
If you're looking for a memorable restaurant experience in the Kansas City or Lawrence area, put Q39 on your list. Make a reservation, give yourself time to enjoy the meal, and take a moment to appreciate the people who make the experience special.
Your taste buds will thank you.
I arrived at Q39 because people in the community recommended it. I left with a wonderful meal, new connections, and a story I was excited to share.
Sometimes, a simple welcome is all it takes to get a good story started.
Thank you, Sam, Zach, Josh, Collin, Timm, Kelly, and the Q39 team for an evening I never expected and won't soon forget.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
Sam's enthusiasm, Zach's invitation to see the kitchen, and the care invested in training the team reminded me how much our work can mean to others. We may never know when a small act of kindness will encourage someone to share a story that reaches far beyond the moment.
Spock: Michael, the evidence suggests that the restaurant's hospitality made a significant impression on you.
Bones: And he managed to turn dinner into a video production. I'm beginning to think the man can't eat a meal without finding a story.
Spock: An intriguing talent, Doctor. His next mission may require a larger memory card.
I have spent years looking for stories in the everyday moments of life. Last night reminded me that the people we meet can give us something wonderful to share. I'm grateful the community pointed me toward Q39, and I'm especially grateful Sam made me feel welcome enough to ask questions, start recording, and discover a family story I might otherwise have missed.
One person, one conversation, one story at a time.
