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.

A Mulligan, a Jayhawk, and an Unexpected Connection

 Stardate 10.24.2026

Some of the best stories begin with a photograph.

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.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

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.

One day at a time. One percent better.

Live long and prosper.

A Taste of Lawrence

 Stardate 10.23.2026

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.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Captain's Addendum

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.

One Week to Go

Stardate 10.22.2026

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.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

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.”

A Side of Stories with My Barbecue

 Stardate 10.21.2026

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.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, your mission to document everyday life now includes an expanding collection of video recordings.

Bones: Just make sure you leave enough time to enjoy the barbecue, Michael. A fellow can't live on camera practice alone.

Spock: An entirely reasonable observation, Doctor.

I am learning as I go, one conversation and one day at a time. Yesterday gave me another chance to practice, and I am grateful I took it.

Live long and prosper.

Mulligan out.