Stardate 10.23.2026
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.
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