Stardate: 08.19.2026
Yesterday morning, I made a reservation for dinner.
The weather forecast wasn't encouraging. Storms were expected, and there was some question about whether our date night would happen as planned.
I made the reservation anyway.
This restaurant is popular, especially on Tuesday nights when they feature steak and lobster. I knew waiting until the last minute could leave us without a table.
By evening, the storm had arrived.
Fortunately, we were already inside.
The warnings came over the restaurant's PA system while we sat at our table overlooking the lake. Outside, the weather was doing its thing. Inside, we were having dinner.
We both ordered the steak and lobster.
It was out of this world.
We've had some wonderful experiences during my time away from home. This was our best dining experience so far.
There was something special about sitting there together while the storm moved through.
Today, my wife heads home.
I'll finish the assignment on my own and return to my family on Friday.
The next few days will bring their own questions. I don't know exactly what the schedule will look like after I get home. There is a possibility I could leave Monday morning for the next assignment. That decision is still being worked out.
I've become comfortable with some uncertainty.
Yesterday was a good reminder.
I made a reservation without knowing what the weather would bring.
The storm came.
We had dinner anyway.
Maybe that is one of the small lessons life keeps offering us.
We can spend a lot of time waiting for the conditions to be perfect before making a decision. Sometimes the reservation simply needs to be made.
Then we show up.
I think there is something faithful about that.
Scripture says:
"Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established."
— Proverbs 16:3
I don't know what the weather will bring tomorrow.
I know where I am today.
That is enough.
Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong
Captain's Addendum
Bones: "Michael, I have to admit. Making a reservation during a storm warning sounds a little optimistic."
Spock: "Actually, Doctor, the reservation was made before the storm. The Captain demonstrated reasonable foresight."
Bones: "Well, Spock, I suppose that settles it. Steak and lobster under a storm watch. Somehow Michael always finds a way."
Maybe that's the trick.
We don't get to choose the weather.
We can choose whether to make the reservation.
And sometimes the best memories are waiting for us on the other side of that decision.
I'm grateful for last night.
I'm grateful for the time together.
And I'm grateful for whatever comes next.
Live long and prosper.