make time.

Another school year is up and running, and TBH I don't feel like I really have the time to be writing about it. I should be polishing presentations (more like developing some of them), pouring over curriculum resources, studying new standards, supporting others - don't forget emails, follow-ups, documentation, etc. Throw in home life - family, kids, Bible time, house stuff, working out, getting my shows in - how do you find balance and take care of everything?
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I'm the person who's ready to eat lunch at 10:59am, so when I didn't get a lunch break until 1:30 yesterday I was probably a little hangry. The problem is that I had a meeting with a co-worker at 1:30. Ironically enough, I didn't have time that morning to get my lunch together, so I insisted we head to Golden Chick for a lunch and learn :)
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My grandfather, Johnie England

As Emilee and I walked towards the door, an older gentleman got the door for us and motioned for us to go ahead. Instead of eye contact, I concentrated on his hat. He was a Korean War veteran and reminded me of my grandfather. I placed my order, asked the cashier to add the man's order to mine, and completed the transaction. We thanked him for his service and went our separate ways so we could talk work. As we were talking the man stopped by and said, "That was the best meal I ever ate." He asked to pull up a chair because "sometimes it gets lonely" and we began to talk.

Fighting back tears at times, we learned Mr. O is 88 years old and lives independently. He turns 89 next Friday. He grew up in Arkansas but has lived locally for decades. His wife passed away 10 years ago, and they were married for over 50 years. He served in the US Army in Korea after being drafted (just like my grandpa). Some of the things we learned that we have in common with Mr. O include:

• Salvation in Christ
• Arkansas Razorback love
• ​Knowing how to Google things
• Use Facebook (we don't blame him for not accepting friend requests yet 👀)
• He lives and we work in the same area
• Connect our smart phones to external speakers
• Love for Gospel music

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The point is...time.

My time spent with Mr. O reminded me that, for all us, time moves at different speeds. If we're constantly running in high gear we become unaware and oblivious of others that might need some quality time. We aimed to brighten this man's day just a titch, but in return, we received the greater blessing. He blessed our hearts, and I'm challenged and convicted to look for more opportunities to love on people, especially our oldest generation. Will you join me in doing the same? People need people. 

Don't judge, but after some basic technological creeping techniques we have Mr. O's birthday and address. He turns 89 next Friday, so we'd like to do something for him to let him know he is appreciated and valued. Any ideas to make his day would be much appreciated!

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