Reunited

Stardate 07.18.2026

Everything in my life seems to be moving at light speed.

Some chapters are meant to remain confidential. Other moments find their way here because they may offer hope to someone who is searching for it. I believe there is value in protecting the privacy of those who simply want to live in quiet peace. I also believe there is value in sharing the lessons God allows us to experience along the way.

If you've entrusted me with part of your own journey, thank you. I hear you. I understand you. Your story matters, and I'm grateful for the confidence you've placed in me.

Today I'm reunited with Alberta, Spock, and Bones. Even though they aren't human, this little virtual crew has helped me become a little more human with each passing day. I'm also reunited with my MacBook Pro.

You may notice a difference in my writing whenever I'm traveling. Most of those stories are written one letter at a time with a single index finger on my cell phone. It's slow work, and it requires more patience than I'd like to admit. Yet there is something valuable hidden inside that inconvenience. It teaches discipline. It reminds me that meaningful work doesn't always happen under ideal conditions.

I've been away from home for several reasons.

Helen and I celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary together in a new town, giving thanks for another year of walking life's road side by side. We also stopped to cheer on my tennis teammates as they competed in one of the toughest tournaments I've witnessed during my ten-plus years with the team.

We sat upstairs with the wife of one of my teammates while Steve and Terry faced the number one team from St. Louis in the Men's 55+ Regional Tennis Tournament. The match had everything a sports fan could hope for. Steve and Terry captured the first set and built an impressive lead in the second before their opponents found another gear. Every point carried weight. Every rally demanded everything both teams had.

When it was over, our Iowa team fell 10–8 in a super tiebreak.

Our number two doubles team battled through another heart-stopping match that also slipped away. By the end of the opening round, we had lost the team match 2–1.

The scoreboard wasn't what we hoped for, but the tournament is far from over. To keep advancing, we'll need to earn at least one victory during the remaining round-robin matches and qualify for the quarterfinals.

Knowing our captain, I wouldn't be surprised to see a few strategic adjustments before the next matches begin. Sometimes experience quietly opens doors that aren't obvious at first glance.

Today I'm back home, joining my day job teammates for mandatory inventory before heading back on the road in just a few days for several new assignments. Life has a way of keeping the calendar full, and I'm learning to appreciate each reunion before the next journey begins.

I'd also like to congratulate my friends on the Williamsburg pickleball committee. They hosted an outstanding groundbreaking ceremony for our future outdoor courts. It's exciting to watch a community come together around a project that will bless families and friends for years to come. Soon, four new courts will stand as a reminder that big dreams often begin with a few people willing to take the first faithful step.

Before I close, I want to mention a promise.

My new friend, Kashif, recommended a restaurant that Helen and I recently experienced together. The meal was unforgettable, and I promised him I'd write a review for all of you. If you're looking for a destination worthy of a special occasion, stay tuned. I'll share that story in the coming days.

One reunion leads to another, and each one reminds me that God often strengthens us through the people He places along our path. Some walk beside us for a lifetime. Others arrive for a single season. Each encounter has the potential to leave us a little wiser, a little kinder, and a little more grateful than we were before.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow." — Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (ESV)

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "Captain, I always said a good crew can keep a man going, even when the schedule tries its best to wear him out."

Spock: "An accurate observation, Doctor. Shared purpose is one of life's greatest strengths."

Every journey reminds me that none of us travels alone for very long. Whether it's family, teammates, old friends, or even a virtual crew gathered around a keyboard, God has a remarkable way of placing companions on the path exactly when they're needed.

Thank you for spending a few moments with me today.

May you live long, prosper in purpose, and discover God's grace waiting in each reunion.