…and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.
Luke 18:16-17, HCSB
I know that as a GrandBob, I am extremely biased.
But watching my two grandchildren play this afternoon with laughter, passion, and innocence, I am both reminded and challenged by the words of Jesus…
What about you?
I have been in Nashville TN for the last several days on a business trip. Though I wrapped up late yesterday afternoon, I planned some extra time with my mother, who lives about 20 miles from Nashville. We went out for dinner last night and I asked her what she needed doing around the house.
This is the first time I have been back “home” since my father passed away and was buried in early March. Though my mother and I talk several times each week, I knew that there were things to do for her.
Consequently, by mid-morning I found myself pulling weeds in the numerous flower gardens around the house. Both my parents liked flowers and the wildlife they attracted. My dad in particular, was what you might call a natural gardener when it came to flowers. He didn’t believe in formal landscapes and flower beds “just so.” His method was more “that looks like a good place for a few flowers.”
As I was working in around the flower beds all morning, I was reminded of the countless times I had seen my dad as he was going from one place to another in our yard just stop and pull a weed out and toss it on the ground – to be chopped up by the mower later. There wasn’t a rhyme or reason to his actions; it was just something he did.
Small consistent actions over time make a big difference.
My dad had been in declining health since late last year, and had not been able to be out in the yard, there was a lot to do. By noon I was ready for a break. Sitting and drinking several glasses of water I thought about my Dad and how his constant weeding meant that the flower gardens looked pretty good all of the time; now, they looked overgrown.
I’m certainly nowhere near the gardener my Dad was. My several hours of work will make them look good for a few weeks maybe, and then they will have to be weeded again.
But once again, my Dad is my teacher.
Leaders need to understand that consistent, small actions invested in your team will pay big dividends along the journey.
Thanks, Dad.
During the graveside service for my father, the flag honoring his military service during the end of WWII was given to my son Jason, an Airman serving in the 33rd Special Operations Squadron.
Just as the flag ceremony was over, a C-130 from the Tennessee Air National Guard flew overhead on approach to the airport. My father served in the Third Air Force, 316 Troop Carrier Group. Their primary aircraft in WWII was the C-47. Later, the C-130 was a replacement for the C-47.
It wasn’t planned, but so appropriate for the day. Jason’s father-in-law Tim is a retired Colonel; the last plane he flew was a C-130.
I am proud of the service of my father, my son’s father-in-law, and my son Jason.
Hollis Donald “Doc” Adams
08/09/27 – 02/25/12
The dates above are important – they are the bookends of my father’s life. They mark a beginning and an end of his physical existence.
But it’s the dash that really tells the stories of his life.
Today and tomorrow will be filled with dozens of these stories. Family and friends are gathering from near and far to celebrate his life.
Stories like…
And that’s just a hint of the dash my father lived.
My father never regretted any of the dash he lived – and I hope I will be able to say the same one day.
Well, at least what scientists are telling us how chocolate will change in the future…
2014 – Melt-Proof Wrappers. Candy companies are developing wrappers that prevent chocolate from melting in temperatures up to 104 degrees.
2016 – 3D Chocolate Printer. Using edible purees in place of ink, engineers have created a printer that creates totally edible forms.
2018 – Low-Fat Chocolate. Through selective breeding of cacao trees, scientists hope to grow beans with less fat.
2021 – Cookie-Baking Robot. Scientists have created a robot that can mix up a batch of cookies and pop them in the oven; it takes 2 1/2 hours currently.
2032 – $20 Candy Bars. Some industry experts say the world is running out of affordable chocolate, primarily because of declining production.
The delicious (except for the final one) tidbits above came from the Food Network Magazine March 2012 issue.
I hope you have enjoyed these enticing chocolate posts (start here to see the whole series) on Valentine’s Day 2012!
Now, it’s off for a late dessert date with my Valentine!
Technology-wise, that is.
As a result of gifts and upgrades, my wife is now enjoying her iPad while my daughter Amy is happily using her iPhone 4s. My son and I are still in the land of the great unwashed, using PC laptops and standard smart phones. We guys think it is a girl conspiracy so that they can use Face Time to see and talk to one another more often. That’s fine with me, as long as I get an occasional word (and picture) in.
We soon found out that the iTechnology the girls owned had a very practical use.
This morning the girls colored their hair, and my daughter used the iPad to first find, and then save, a haircut she liked. They then proceeded to a salon and showed the stylist the image, which he promptly re-created for my daughter.
That’s a win.
Today is my son Aaron’s 19th birthday. He’s finishing up his first trimester at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte as a Culinary Arts/Food Service Management degree. As these pictures attest, he’s loving it…and he’s also doing an excellent job!
Happy Birthday, Son!
What’s for dinner?
As a father of four kids, it is inevitable that they will leave home. With children ages 31, 27, 23, and 19, I should be used to it.
Nope.
The first “leaving” is when your young adult graduates from high school and heads off to college.
The second “leaving” is when your college graduate heads off for his first “real” job.
The third “leaving” is when your son commits his love and life to a beautiful young woman, and they begin their own home.
Most of the time, that’s it. Yeah, there’s the moving around, job changes, etc.
Today my son Jason, along with his wife Jaime and daughter Lucy, left home for his first duty station in the Air Force. I’ve never been more proud of Jason, but this “leaving” hits deepest of all.
A thief stole my laptop hard drive, Kindle, a few books, and multiple project files from the floor of the WFX trade show in Dallas late Thursday afternoon, putting me in a whirl.
I returned home Friday morning, trying to figure out what I was going to do.
It was a very liberating weekend, being offline from Thursday night till today.
Now, with a replacement laptop, it’s time to start over.
There’s nothing like a blank page…
Amy (23) plays with Lucy (1) at Discovery Place KIDS in Huntersville. I’m not sure which kid is having the most fun…
27gen.com 