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.
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