Table 114

 Stardate: 08.11.2026

Sometimes a restaurant review begins with the food. This one begins with a table.

Last week, my family and I stopped at the Etcetera just before the lunch rush. It was another visit to a place I have come to enjoy, and I already knew it would not be my last.

The Etcetera sits along the lake in Oconomowoc, just north of Madison and off I-94. It is a great place to visit with dogs, and the view from the upper deck is hard to beat.

Molly was our food server, and Vincent also helped make our visit a five-star experience. When Molly asked where we were from, she asked if we knew the Driscoll family.

My wife grinned and asked, “Which Driscoll family?”

It turns out Molly had played volleyball at Drake with someone from our church family. A simple question about where we were from opened a door to a connection none of us expected.

Since we were her first customers of the day, Molly let us choose any table on the upper deck. I picked a corner table overlooking the lake.

“Great choice,” Molly said. “That’s the most popular table in the restaurant.”

I immediately asked for the table number. I was already thinking about sharing the experience with my readers.

Table 114.

The view was beautiful. The food was excellent. I had a mushroom burger that was out of this world.

Molly also noticed our grand dogs. She made sure they had plenty of water and shade while we enjoyed our lunch. Then she took pictures of our experience so we would have memories to keep.

Those little details stayed with me.

Good service can be measured in many ways. Sometimes it is the meal arriving at the right time. Sometimes it is a server remembering the people at the table. Sometimes it is making sure the dogs have water on a warm afternoon.

And sometimes it is discovering that a person you just met has a connection to someone you already know.

Jesus reminded us:

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

— Luke 6:31

Molly and Vincent gave our family a memorable afternoon. The food was good, the view was beautiful, and the conversation made the experience personal.

Thank you, Molly and Vincent, for taking such good care of us. We will be telling our friends back home about Table 114 and the experience we had there.

If you find yourself in Oconomowoc, put the Etcetera on your list. And if you visit before Molly heads off to grad school at the end of summer, be sure to say hello.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

May you live long and prosper.

Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Michael, you selected the most popular table in the restaurant.”

Bones: “And somehow you turned lunch into another story for the log.”

Spock: “The evidence suggests the Captain knew exactly what he was doing.”

There are days when the story finds us while we are simply sitting at a table, enjoying lunch with people we love. I am grateful for those moments.

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.”

The Storm Was Part of the Lesson

 Stardate: 08.10.2026

Helen and I attended 8 a.m. Mass yesterday morning.

The homily centered on the moment when Jesus sent His followers out onto the water while He remained behind.

A storm developed.

The disciples became frightened. Then they saw Jesus walking on the water. They thought He was a ghost. Jesus called out to them, and Peter responded by stepping out of the boat.

For a moment, Peter walked on the water.

Then he became afraid and began to sink. He called out to Jesus, and Jesus reached down and pulled him from the water.

The priest made a point that stayed with me.

Jesus knew the storm was coming when He sent the disciples onto the water.

We left Mass and headed toward Madison.

A storm was moving through the area.

Lightning lit up the sky as we drove. The flashes were bright enough to turn the dark clouds into silhouettes. We could see the storm around us as we made our way toward my first pickleball lesson with Adria Rushing, the pickleball professional who had visited us during the grand opening on Friday.

I thought about the homily.

We kept driving.

I wasn't afraid. I knew Jesus was with us.

We arrived on time, and the lesson began.

Adria worked with me on the fundamentals. She showed me proper grips, stance, and positioning. Each correction made the game make a little more sense.

I began to understand where my body should be, how I should hold the paddle, and what I should be looking for when the ball came toward me.

By the end of the lesson, I walked away with something I didn't have when I arrived.

Confidence.

I can learn this game.

There is plenty of practice ahead. That makes me smile because I enjoy learning something new.

After the lesson, Adria and I stood beside each other for an interview. We talked about the pickleball project back home, and I had an opportunity to give a shout-out to the committee that has worked so hard to make four outdoor courts possible.

Construction is underway.

I thought about how that project started with an idea. People stepped forward. The idea became a plan. The plan became a project. Now the courts are taking shape.

Eventually, Helen and I headed home.

The storms were still moving through the area. We found a path between them and made it home safely.

The homily from the morning kept coming back to me.

The storm was already there when we left Mass.

So was Jesus.

We kept going.

Peter's story stayed with me throughout the day. The storm didn't need to disappear for the journey to continue. There was still a next step to take.

Yesterday, my next step happened to be onto a pickleball court.

Tomorrow, it will be something else.

“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
— Matthew 14:27

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: “Michael appears to have discovered that storms can accompany recreational activities.”

Bones: “And somehow, Spock, he managed to turn a pickleball lesson into a spiritual lesson.”

Spock: “The evidence suggests the Captain is becoming quite efficient at this.”

I smiled when I thought about the day.

The storm was part of the journey.

So was the lesson.

 I am grateful for the worship, the time with Helen, the lesson with Adria, the conversation about pickleball, the people building those courts back home, and the safe trip through the storms.

I have a pickleball paddle purchased from my day job, some things to practice, and another day ahead.

That is enough for now.

The Patron Saint of Grocers

 Stardate: 08.09.2026

Sometimes a day begins with a simple recommendation.

Yesterday, several locals told me about a tower in a park near my hotel. They knew the area and said I should go take a look.

So I did.

On the way to the park, I met a couple who added another recommendation.

"Make sure you visit Holy Hill after you finish here."

I tucked that away and continued toward the tower.

I climbed to the top, took some photos, and then made my way back down.

The park had been worth the visit.

Now it was time to follow the second recommendation.

We drove to Holy Hill, where the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception stands above the surrounding countryside. The basilica honors Mary, the mother of Jesus.

I climbed the 178 steps to the top.

One step at a time.

At the top, I took more photos and enjoyed the view before making my way back down.

Then we stopped inside the basilica gift shop.

That's where I found the card.

It told the story of St. Michael the Archangel.

I turned it over and started reading.

Then I saw something I had never known.

St. Michael is the patron saint of grocers.

I stopped.

Seriously?

My name is Michael.

I work in the grocery business.

I am currently away from home helping open a new warehouse.

And yesterday, while visiting a basilica dedicated to Mary, I discovered that St. Michael the Archangel has traditionally been associated with grocers.

I had never heard this before.

The discovery sent me down a little historical rabbit hole.

The connection reaches back centuries. Medieval grocers dealt with valuable commodities that had to be measured carefully. Scales were part of their trade, and St. Michael is traditionally depicted carrying scales along with his sword.

The old merchant guilds also carried responsibilities involving honest trade, quality and service to their communities.

Suddenly, this wasn't just an interesting piece of history.

It was personal.

I had gone to a park because locals recommended a tower.

Along the way, I met a couple who recommended Holy Hill.

I climbed the tower.

Then I climbed 178 steps to the top of the basilica.

I took photos.

I came back down.

And in the gift shop, I happened to pick up a card that introduced me to a connection between St. Michael and the grocery business that I had somehow missed for 66 years.

I don't know what to make of that.

Maybe it was simply an interesting coincidence.

Maybe there is something more to it.

I'm comfortable leaving that question open.

I've learned to pay attention to these moments.

They don't always arrive with an announcement.

Sometimes they are waiting on the back of a card in a gift shop.

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." — Psalm 91:11

Join me here:

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Captain's Addendum

Spock: "Michael, the probability of discovering your patron saint in a basilica gift shop after climbing 178 steps is intriguing."

Bones: "Spock, Michael doesn't need a probability. He needs to enjoy the discovery."

I think Bones has the right idea.

Yesterday gave me something I didn't know I was looking for.

A new piece of history.

A connection to my own name.

And one more reason to keep paying attention to the little things that happen along the journey.

I'm grateful for the discovery.

And I'm smiling at the thought that somewhere along the way, Michael the grocer may have finally met St. Michael the Archangel.

The Remedy Is a Walk in the Woods

 Stardate: 08.08.2026

Yesterday, we cut the ribbon.

The opening was successful. The work that had occupied so much of my attention for weeks reached an important milestone. There were people to meet, problems to solve, teams to encourage, and a thousand little details that needed attention.

Today is different.

I woke up knowing I had nowhere I needed to be.

Helen and I shared a quiet breakfast together. There was no rush to get somewhere. No schedule pulling us toward the next responsibility. We simply sat together and enjoyed the morning.

Outside, the sky is clear. The temperature is ideal for being outdoors, and there is a gentle breeze moving through the trees.

We are going hiking.

After weeks of living at a fast pace, walking the trails feels like exactly what we need.

There is something about walking that gives the mind room to settle. The body gets moving. Conversation happens naturally. Sometimes there are stretches of silence. You notice the trees. You notice the sky. You notice the people walking beside you.

Today, that person is my wife.

I have spent a lot of time during this assignment thinking about teams, leadership, responsibility and the people God has placed in my path. Those things matter deeply to me.

So does this.

There are seasons when the work demands our attention. There are also moments when the wisest thing we can do is step away from the work and allow ourselves to recover.

Jesus understood the need for rest.

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
— Mark 6:31

Those words feel particularly appropriate this morning.

The trail is waiting.

The country around us is beautiful, and we have the opportunity to slow down long enough to enjoy it. Helen and I don't need a complicated plan. We need some time together, fresh air and a good walk.

Sometimes the remedy is that simple.

Yesterday was about opening a new chapter for a team.

Today feels like opening a little space in my own life.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, the evidence suggests that walking may be an effective recovery protocol.

Bones: For once, Spock, you don't need evidence. Just go take the walk.

Spock: Agreed. And Michael, perhaps today you should allow the Captain to enjoy the scenery.

There are plenty of days ahead for the mission.

For today, I'm grateful for a quiet breakfast with Helen, a clear sky, a little breeze and a trail waiting for us.

That is enough.

And maybe that is the point.

Live long and prosper. 🖖

The Ribbon

 Stardate: 08.07.2026

This morning, they cut the ribbon.

I was there.

I wasn't on the clock. I'm working the closing shift today, so I had the opportunity to stand outside the building and watch the moment as an observer.

The new employees were shining.

There was an energy around the building that was easy to feel. People were smiling. The doors were ready. The work that so many people had poured into this opening had finally reached its first morning.

Then I looked around and realized I wasn't standing there alone.

Some of the neighbors who had stood with me outside the building during those early days were there for the ribbon cutting. Standing beside me was the pickleball professional I had invited to attend. The manager from the hotel where I've been staying was there too.

People from different parts of this little chapter of my life had somehow gathered at the same place at the same time.

Then the ribbon was cut.

Just like that, the building became a store.

I stood there and watched the new employees begin their journey.

There is something special about watching people step into a new opportunity. They don't know everything yet. They don't have all the answers. They don't need to.

They just need to begin.

Afterward, I went back to the hotel and arrived around the end of breakfast hours. Emily offered to make me eggs and sausage.

I said yes.

There I was, sitting down to a simple breakfast after witnessing the opening of something that had occupied so much of my attention for weeks.

Eggs.

Sausage.

A ribbon.

A group of new employees beginning something together.

A few neighbors who had become familiar faces.

A pickleball friend.

A hotel manager.

A morning that somehow brought all of these pieces together.

I've spent a lot of time during this assignment thinking about leadership, teams, relationships, and the work that happens behind the scenes. This morning reminded me that eventually there comes a moment when you simply get to stand back and watch.

The doors open.

People walk in.

The team takes over.

And you give thanks.

I think there is wisdom in knowing when to step forward and when to simply witness what God has allowed to grow.

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."

Proverbs 16:3

The ribbon is cut.

The work continues.

And for a little while this morning, I got to stand outside and watch a new team begin.

Now it's time for a little rest in the jacuzzi before tonight's closing shift.

I have a feeling the new employees are going to be just fine.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "Michael, you spent weeks helping prepare for this day, and now you're sitting in a jacuzzi."

Spock: "A logical transition, Doctor. Even starships require maintenance."

Bones: "Just make sure our Captain remembers to eat something before reporting for the night shift."

Sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is pause long enough to appreciate what has already happened.

The ribbon is cut.

The team is ready.

And I'm grateful I got to be there.

The Circle Keeps Growing

 Stardate: 08.06.2026

Golden Hour arrived a little later today.

Our schedule shifted because tonight is a special evening celebrating the opening of a new building. I'll spend part of the night serving cake while many of our newest employees have the opportunity to meet senior leaders. I find myself looking forward to watching those conversations unfold.

As I prayed this morning, my thoughts settled on the Serenity Prayer.

For many years, one line carried me through difficult seasons.

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."

That prayer brought peace when life felt uncertain. There were seasons when accepting what I couldn't control was exactly what I needed to learn.

This morning another part of the prayer quietly found its way into my heart.

"The courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

Over time, I have discovered that my ability to influence others has grown in ways I never expected.

A conversation.

An encouraging word.

An idea shared with the right person.

Helping a new employee feel welcomed on the first day.

Teaching a company culture that has blessed my own life.

None of those moments seem particularly significant by themselves.

Years later, they begin to form a pattern.

Stephen Covey often wrote about focusing our energy on the things within our circle of influence. I understand that idea a little differently today than I did years ago. My circle hasn't grown because of a title. It has grown because God has entrusted me with more opportunities to serve faithfully.

That realization brings a quiet responsibility.

Every conversation matters.

Every person matters.

Every ordinary day carries the possibility of encouraging someone who may one day encourage thousands more.

I don't know what tonight will bring.

I simply hope to be present, grateful, and ready for whatever conversations God places in front of me.

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."
— Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Thank you for walking this journey with me. I hope you discover that your own circle of influence may be larger than you realize.

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, influence appears to expand in direct proportion to consistent acts of service.

Bones: I was going to say people trust the fellow who keeps showing up and helping. Sometimes science and common sense arrive at the same destination.

Michael: Today reminded me that wisdom isn't measured by how much control we have. It often grows one faithful conversation at a time.

The Work Before the Ribbon

 Stardate: 08.05.2026

This morning began the way I hoped it would.

Sleep gave way to quiet prayer. Meditation settled my thoughts before the day gathered momentum. My sleep report wasn't as strong as usual, although that wasn't a surprise. Our schedule has shifted this week to make room for family time, and I wouldn't trade those moments. Life has seasons. Over time, things find their balance.

Tomorrow morning, we'll gather outside a brand-new building. A ribbon will be stretched across the entrance. There will be smiles, photographs, speeches, and a community eager to see what has been taking shape over the past several months.

My thoughts kept returning to the people.

I thought about the teammates who have poured themselves into preparing every detail. I thought about the member who will walk through the front doors for the very first time. Somewhere tomorrow, someone will arrive carrying a burden that isn't visible. Another person may simply need a smile or a kind word before continuing with their day.

I hope I notice them.

Those moments rarely make the schedule.

They often become the reason we were there in the first place.

Looking back over the stories I've shared these past several days, I can see a thread I didn't recognize while living them. A prayer tucked inside a wallet. An unexpected conversation. A door that opened at just the right time. Small moments that quietly reminded me God is already at work long before we notice.

Tomorrow's ribbon will mark the beginning of something new for our community.

The work that matters most has already been unfolding through countless conversations, acts of encouragement, and ordinary moments of serving others with joy.

This morning I prayed a simple prayer.

"Lord, let every person I meet today leave with a little more hope than they had before we met."

"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." — Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

If you've enjoyed walking this journey with me, I'd be honored if you continued traveling alongside us.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Thank you for spending a few moments with me today. May you discover that some of life's most meaningful work happens quietly, long before anyone applauds.

Captain's Addendum

Spock: "Michael, history often remembers the ribbon. Logic suggests the preparation deserved equal attention."

Bones: "Tomorrow folks will see a building. You'll be watching for the people who walk through the doors. That's always been your habit."

I smiled as I packed my things for another full day. Tomorrow may begin with a ceremony, yet today is filled with opportunities to encourage someone along the way. Those quiet encounters are often where God chooses to meet us.