Sarah

Aug 04 2014

You Have More to Give

A number of years ago, I was serving as an administrator at a college in Tennessee. I was under enormous pressure at work to deliver significant growth for the institution.

My team was feeling the pressure – and I kept telling myself that it was temporary. But there was really no end in sight.

So I kept pushing harder and faster.

At the time, I was dealing with my own demons. I wasn’t spending enough time with my family. My sweet wife was managing our home and our daughter on her own. I felt like such a hypocrite – trying to help others improve, when I needed to change.

It’s tough to face your team every day when you feel like that.

My wife, Sarah, remembers the afternoon years ago, when I stood in our kitchen explaining to her what I was experiencing – what I was feeling. She listened patiently, supportively like she always does. Then she calmly responded – “For about 6 months I’ve felt like a part of you is dying, and I don’t know if you’ll ever get it back.”

Mar 19 2014

Stuck? Sometimes You Just Need to Push the Button

I waited “patiently” for what seemed like an eternity.

I was starving. I watched from the passenger seat as she browsed the menu board.

I fiddled with a couple of apps on my iPad – attempting to get my mind off of my intense hunger.

Finally, I gave in – “Do you know what are you going to order?”

Aug 26 2013

You’re a Better Leader When You’re Prepared

When you’re not prepared for the unexpected, you’ll be derailed by it.

The phone rang.

Dad, Can I stay over here and eat dinner?

I thought for a moment – dinner is the one time every day we spend together as a family.

Baby, it’s best if you come home and eat with the family. Then you can go back and play with your friend.

It was quiet for a moment – But Dad, they said I could stay.

I know, baby. But mom and I would like to spend some time with you at…

OK, Bye. Silence.

Aug 05 2013

What To Do When the Unexpected Happens

A young lady who was close to my wife, Sarah, was murdered in a domestic dispute a couple of weeks ago.

I don’t recall ever seeing Sarah so emotionally shaken by a life event. For several days, she quietly processed the events that led to the tragedy.

During that time our 8-year-old daughter, Madison, noticed something was different and began to ask what was going on. So I took her to breakfast one morning and spent some time talking to her about what her mom was experiencing.

After gently explaining the situation, I asked Madison if she understood. She quickly replied, “But mom’s a counselor. Why doesn’t she just tell herself what she tells her clients?”

Jul 03 2013

A Letter to My Son

Dear son,

You’re a year old today. It’s been a great year. Quite possibly the best year of my life.

Now that you’re growing up, it’s time to lay a few ground rules.

First, I can already see that you are not going to be content to stay in one place for very long. You like to get around. And I’m cool with that. In fact, I like following you around – it gives me a glimpse into how your young mind works. It reminds me what it’s like to be constantly seeking adventure. To imagine and crave the new. To dream and to be always learning. You’ll teach me a thing or two about creativity and innovation.

Next, your mom is queen – of everything. So prepare now to shower her with flowers and thoughtful gifts. You’ll plan your fair share of royal dates. You’ll never have to wonder if she will accept your invitation – she’ll say yes. Because she adores you. You won’t need a reason for these special occasions – the honor of spending fleeting moments with her royal highness will be enough. She’s already given you a lifetime of love, gifts, and attention so you will spend your entire life trying to make it up to her. You never will.

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