Danger, Danger, Will Robinson!

 Stardate 10.14.2026

Yesterday reminded me how quickly an ordinary day can change.

My morning routine was already off schedule. My mother is vacationing in Mexico to celebrate her 87th birthday tomorrow. During our phone conversation that morning, she told me about two tire blowouts she experienced while driving to her resort!

I'm grateful we could talk. Having Mom celebrate another birthday is a blessing, and I'm looking forward to marking this milestone with her.

Meanwhile, I had brought my sardines with me, intending to keep my daily nutrition routine intact. Conversations with colleagues took over, and I never got around to eating them.

By the time I finished work, I hadn't eaten anything all day.

And then the sky began to change.

My manager on duty warned us about the approaching storm and offered permission to punch out early. I left about twenty minutes ahead of my usual time.

I'm glad I did.

Lightning was striking all around me. Dark clouds were moving in at an estimated 25 miles per hour, and bolts of lightning illuminated the sky. One of the light poles stood beside my rental vehicle, so I kept my distance from the poles as I made my way to the vehicle.

I wasn't interested in becoming part of the weather report!

I had roughly four miles to travel in the direction ahead of the approaching storm. My timing worked out, and I reached the area around my hotel just before the rain arrived.

Before entering Texas Roadhouse, I stopped to take pictures. Texas Roadhouse and Chili's are the two restaurants next to my hotel. The photographs captured the dramatic change in the sky.

I was hungry and wanted to get my food before the weather caused further problems. The restaurant was full, so I headed to the bar. Toby and Bella took care of me right away.

I was concerned that a lightning strike might knock out the power. I wanted to get my meal while the kitchen was still operating and return to my hotel room safely.

While talking with a colleague on my cell phone about the storm, I attracted the attention of people nearby. They began asking what was happening outside.

I showed them my photographs.

After seeing the pictures, the people around me got up and left so they could reach safety.

I'm glad I could help them recognize the danger. The storm had developed quickly, and the people inside hadn't realized what was approaching.

I managed to eat my dinner and return to my hotel room before the heaviest rain arrived.

The storm continued through the night. Rain poured down, lightning flashed, and thunder kept me company for hours.

My sleep took a hit. My energy score this morning was 80, while my sleep score was 40. I recorded 5 hours and 21 minutes of actual sleep.

Those numbers give me something to work with as I continue my effort to improve one percent every day and every night.

This morning brings a welcome opportunity to reset. I have the day off, and I'm looking forward to a couple of hours of pickleball open play at the recreation center, followed by lap swimming. My goal is 45 minutes of lap time.

The hope is to get my sleep back on track with more physical activity today. I'll pay attention to how I feel and adjust my pace as needed.

As I look back on yesterday, I'm grateful for my manager's warning and the opportunity to leave early. I'm thankful I reached the restaurant before the rain and made it back to my hotel. I'm also glad the photographs helped other people recognize the approaching danger.

Psalm 23:4 has been on my mind:

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

The verse reminds me that I can turn to Jesus when circumstances become frightening and uncertain. I can give thanks for the people who helped me, reflect on the decisions I made, and trust Him as I move forward.

Today, I'll carry that gratitude with me as I enjoy the day I've been given.

Stumbling forward, one percent better, one day at a time.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Bones: Michael, after a night like that, I'd recommend listening to your body before attempting a new swimming record.

Spock: A measured approach to today's exercise would be logical, Michael.

Michael: I'll keep that in mind. I've got pickleball to enjoy and 45 minutes in the pool to work toward. One step at a time.

Perhaps gratitude is easiest to recognize after a night when sleep was hard to find. This morning, I'm thankful for another chance to begin again.