All the nation’s governors had their hands full with Covid-19. Our governor, here in Michigan, had to contend with two major damns that broke open flooding the City of Midland Michigan. Also, a few days ago, protest marches against police brutality began to occupy the street of our major cities.

I cannot imagine what the days and nights are like for her. I don’t know if any governor in our nation’s history had to face three major crises simultaneously. The role we should have is one of support for the magnitude of the decisions she must make.

Like any human being, she will make mistakes and those mistakes will be held under a microscope and criticized by many. We all have to be empathetic for those who must deal with “the loneliness of command!”

If not today, when?

 

As the old saying goes, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”

Honesty? Do you tell the truth? Are you honest in all your dealings with others?

Trustworthy? Do you do what you say you’re going to do? In other words, when you promise to do something, can others trust you to follow through without the need to check up on you?

Loyal? Are you tolerant of the shortcomings of loved ones and friends? Do you stand by them and come to their assistance when they need help?

Unselfish? Are you in the habit of putting your own wants and needs ahead of the wants and needs of others?

Consistent? Do you always adhere to a certain set of unshakable values or do your value decisions depend upon changing events?

Think about it!

If not today, when?

No, this is the main attraction, the great drama itself. The older I get, the more I become intrigued pondering all the mysteries of this life of ours. One certainty you can count on is the constant turmoil of events that are always just around the corner.

So, you might as well sit back and relax because the difficulties you’re having today will be replaced by new ones tomorrow. Because life is not a rehearsal, but the final act, why don’t you do that something you’ve always dreamed of doing?

I can’t believe my 79th birthday is just a few months away. When you’re trudging along, life seems to be a long, drawn out affair. Now, in my rear view mirror, I see that life is quite short after all.

Go out and live it!

If not today, when?

During the lockdown period, people are enrolling in Artificial Intelligence classes so they will be able to compete for higher paying jobs that have an unlimited future. Although this training has been available online, enrollment has recently sky rocketed to seven times the previous enrollment numbers.

Does this fact mean that you should enroll in an AI course? Not necessarily, but it is vital that you must have marketable skills so you can compete for the quality of job openings that will enable you to afford your desired lifestyle.

Many businesses will not be able to reopen for two basic reasons: Insufficient capital and/or reduced income possibilities compared to the income prior to Covid-19. This means there will be fewer job openings.

So, my advice is to forget the past and improve your skills!

If not today, when?

Yes, even in the midst of this pandemic and other bad news that may come along, you’ll cope better by practicing gratitude. I know you may respond by saying, “What do I have to be grateful for? I’m not employed right now and my future is unpredictable.”

I know it’s hard to see the light when you’re living in darkness, but you must take control of your thoughts. If you can’t or won’t have positive thoughts, it will be very difficult to perform positive actions that can lead to positive results.

Think of the brick layer. What an awesome task it is to build a brick wall. At a glance, it seems impossible. So, the brick layer decides to work with only one brick at a time.

Practice gratitude for the positives in your life!

If not today, when?

Pictured above is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army General Mark A. Milley. He is seen giving instructions to the troops in Afghanistan.

On Memorial Day, he spent the day walking through Arlington National Cemetery. He carried with him small American flags that he left at the grave of each man who had served under him and was killed in combat.

He stopped and said a prayer for every fallen soldier and cried in remembrance of each one. This is a poignant example of leadership at its best. If a leader does not care for the well being of subordinates, that leader is not worthy of command.

Thank God that we have people like General Milley at the pinnacle of our military. It is a terribly burdensome responsibility!

If not today, when?

Today on Memorial Day, we must remember all those have fallen in defense of America. Among those was one of my close friends, Jim Rivard. We were in high school and college together. He was an enthusiastic member of the Army R.O.T.C. which was a training program for those who wanted to become officers upon graduation.

Jim was sent to fight in Vietnam as a young Army officer. He died there along with approximately 35,000 other young Americans.

So, on this day, please remember all those who have worn the uniform proudly and especially every service member who paid the ultimate price so we can live in freedom!

Also, please remember that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!

If not today, when?

Memorial Day weekend and the beginning of summer is finally here!

The forecast for the next ten days shows many 80 degree plus days. Add to these facts, the reality that most of America has been on lockdown for three months.

So, wherever you choose to travel, there will be many people enjoying their newly found freedom. A high percentage of those people will not be wearing a mask nor gloves.

Our medical professionals have determined that Covid-19 is most often transmitted directly from person to person. The three ways it is spread is by talking, coughing or sneezing.

The only protection you have is a mask and gloves and a distance of six feet. Please observe all these safety precautions this weekend because others will not!

If not today, when?

Two dams broke open north of the City of Midland, MI a few days ago. There were two types of victims of this disaster: Those who owned lakefront homes above the dam and those who owned homes and businesses below the dams.

The lakefront owners no longer had a lake to look at, only mud. You can imagine what happened to the market value of those homes.

The home and business owners below the dams may have lost everything because they only had a few minutes to evacuate.

This catastrophe reminds us once again of the fragile nature of our lives. The only true answer to living a meaningful life is to make the most of each day!

If not today, when?

During all the pandemic mandated lockdowns, family members are suddenly spending more time together. This can be a good or not so good situation depending on how family members treat one another.

I am referring specifically to how the husband treats his wife. Down through history, women, who married for love, end up with undeservedly bad treatment at the hands of their spouse.

How is this possible?

The decision to say, “I do” implies love for one another and that promise of love implies trust. How does a loving relationship become one of fear for the woman?

Her promise to give the rest of her life to her spouse is the biggest decision she’ll ever make. It should be rewarded with kindness and gratitude!

The man should use his strength to protect her, not hurt her!

If not today, when?