Stardate 01.11.2026
Some of my friends on the West Coast have a hard time understanding how someone who grew up in the Valley of the Sun in Phoenix could thrive after moving to Iowa — especially during harsh winters.
What they sometimes forget is that I spent many years in Ramona, California, another place often referred to as a valley of the sun. That’s where we raised our family before moving to Iowa fourteen years ago.
My response is simple.
When you live in places that don’t challenge you, it’s easy to take things for granted. I deeply appreciate pleasant weather. And when the weather isn’t pleasant, I do my best to adapt to my surroundings rather than resent them.
One trick that’s served me well is giving myself rewards for making it through difficult seasons.
My first travel reward of the new year is now about a month away. We’re headed to Florida for some much-needed Vitamin D restoration. I dream about it each morning when I wake up — and again while I’m shoveling snow off the driveway.
I know people who refuse to take vacations even when their employers offer time off. As much as I enjoy my day job, I owe it to myself — and my family — to step away and recharge.
One advantage of living in the heartland of America is proximity to great travel destinations. I also count my blessings that the cost of living in my hometown allows room for experiences beyond just getting by.
If travel isn’t part of your goals for the new year, today might be a good day to reconsider. When you tie a reward to your goals, it becomes a powerful incentive to stay focused and finish strong.
Seasons pass.
Rewards matter.
Have a great day.
Captain’s Addendum
Bones: You left sunshine twice and still sound grateful about it?
Spock: Gratitude is not location-dependent, Doctor. It is a practiced discipline.
Bones: I’m beginning to suspect vacations are his coping mechanism.
Spock: Anticipated rest increases perseverance during hardship.
Bones: Fine. I’ll admit it — that’s just good medicine.
Spock: Your agreement has been duly noted.
Michael’s Reflection:
I’ve learned that God doesn’t ask us to endure difficult seasons without hope. Sometimes faith looks like showing up faithfully — and sometimes it looks like putting a trip on the calendar and trusting that rest is part of the plan.
Scripture for the Journey
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
— Ecclesiastes 3:1
Mission Log
Status: Persevering with perspective
Objective: Honor work, welcome rest
Reminder: Hope makes endurance lighter
Thank you for sharing this season with me.
May God help you endure what’s hard, appreciate what’s good, and look forward with hope to the joy waiting ahead — one percent better, one day at a time.
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