Serve by Design

Have you noticed the proliferation of mobile services? It used to be that you would have to go into the office to do your work. Yet, half of our employed adult children and their spouses work mobile or remote from home, either full-time or part-time. These same family members use store grocery shoppers and appreciate timely delivery to their doorsteps. There are a variety of mobile services that can be leveraged by today’s busy families! Mobile Pet Services! Imagine my surprise the other day when I looked outside the kitchen window and saw a mobile pet-grooming van parked at the end of our next-door neighbor’s driveway. I immediately texted these friends to let them know that their busybody neighbors were spying on them again! This is what I wrote: “A mobile pet grooming business? What a great idea! Who would have ‘thunk’ it?? This is the kind of stuff a blog writer loves!” These neighbors were not surprised by my comment. I send my weekly blog articles to them, and they often reply wi...

I enjoyed a special breakfast meeting this week with a couple of dear friends at one of our favorite restaurants. It had been a few years since we had all been together with each other in person. The three of us slid into the booth and the conversation immediately commenced. For what seemed like a few minutes, but spanned a couple of hours, we chatted, laughed, and shared life with each other! We just picked up where we last left off! I have repeatedly over the years experienced this gift and dynamic of true friendship! Image credit: vecteezy.com During this same week, I had conversations with three other friends. One said, “I sure do miss our small group meetings!” Another commented, “I so appreciate everyone’s prayers on my behalf!” And another newer friend suggested, “Why don’t we get together soon? I want to run some things by you!” My life is rich with such friendships! I find relational value in each encounter! I need that regular relational connection and I sense my friends need...

Recently, we had a surprise visit from our son, Marc and our soon to be eighteen-year-old grandson, Ben. It was their second visit in just over a month. Since they live in Texas, it was a rare treat to have them with us at both Thanksgiving, and then again, a shorter two-day visit just after the new year to accompany me to the St. Louis Auto Show. "Giddy Up, Cowboy!" When Ben was here before Christmas, we caught him having a “rocking horse connection” and we laughed at the time. The old horse has complemented our family room, Texas décor, most of Ben’s childhood. I’m sure he can’t recall a time when it was not in its place in front of the French doors. During a second and recent time of connection, we were able to get a photo of him in a state of contemplation while looking at his cell phone. As you would imagine, his long legs were dangling down to the floor for support. In truth, he outgrew the old horse a long time ago!😃 We didn’t know nor did we ask what was on Ben’s min...