Serve by Design

Earlier this month of May, I was squeezed in between the house and the backside of our Rhododendron! Once again, I was trying to capture that “perfect picture” of this beloved flowering plant in full bloom! I have been all around this towering plant of spectacular spring flowers doing the same thing for thirty-four years. I can honestly say that I have yet to get that picture that truly reflects the stunning colors and breathtaking beauty of this standout example of God’s creative work! Our Beloved Rhododendron! As I was clicking off one pic after another, that’s when I heard them. The bumblebees were busily buzzing from one petal to another, undeterred by my presence. I have been stung by honeybees, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets, on occasion. Yet, I am fearless around these buzzing pollinators and thankful for all they do within our ecosystem. I am delighted to see them moving with purpose among several flowering plants throughout our property. The bumblebee has mistakenly been...

I’m not accustomed to seeing very many Mourning Doves in the springtime. Many hunters in our area like to harvest these bullet-fast birds for sport and food in September. I do know that it takes a good mess of dove’s breasts to make a delicious bread-dressing recipe! I have read and understand, though, that many of the eleven varieties of the dove species, who habitat in Illinois, do not migrate, but spend their winters in the Prairie State. In late April and early May of each year, doves begin building nests and mating in earnest. Mourning Doves receive their name from their low and soothing mating call that sounds like a lament or sorrowful song. Some have mistaken this sound for an owl! I looked out the kitchen window recently and saw one of these beautiful birds gracefully moving about our rock patio. It was pecking and foraging for small seeds. Ornithologists say that a dove eats up to twenty percent of their body weight daily! That’s incredible to me! The dove plays a prominent...

As advertised in my blog postscript, I am a doting grandfather and Poppi! With four grown children and twelve grandchildren, we have been able over the years to make several observations about these family members based upon their birth order. Those firstborns have tended to be high achievers (if not over achievers!), perfectionists, and sometimes, bossy leaders! The youngest of their families are happy, predictably spoiled, and love the spotlight! Charlie - Stepping Up... Again!! What about the middle child or the one I have always observed as the “most well-adjusted” of them all? As a confrontive, competitive firstborn, I am thankful to have married a well-adjusted, adaptable second born! It is a blessing, too, that Monique brings harmony and common sense to our relationship and family! She is the “glue” that holds us all together! While I am devoted to each of our children, (spouses included!) and grands, I have come to champion, in special ways, those in the “middle” of their fam...

Last week, I participated in an intensive, three-day training event to equip chaplains, sworn officers, and code employees at the Illinois State Police Academy (ISP). The topics were crisis management and wellness. This may surprise you, but law enforcement is exposed to significant trauma four to six times greater than the general population. Our role, as chaplains, is to not only deal with our own susceptibility to compassion fatigue, but at the same time “help the helpers!” As I was sitting in the instruction room during a session, I noticed a mirror mounted on a board with a placard attached that said, “You only have one chance to make a first impression.” I have seen variations of this quote usually attributed to Will Rogers, who said, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” I was curious how this saying was being applied in a law enforcement setting. One of the new chaplains who serves along with me throughout the Capital City was sitting nearby the day I no...