As I was thinking and reflecting during the ceremony, I came to a simple truth:

Everything has a cost

I don’t just mean that in a consumer/retailer scenario, I mean… EVERYTHING. The cost of freedom & peace was the lives of these soldiers who we were commemorating that day.

Let’s break it down a bit further:

• Raising a child comes at a cost of your own time, resources and love
• To get fit and healthy, the cost is your commitment and physical energy
• For those seeking depth in their faith life, the cost could be looking past their own views and perceptions

I can go on, and I’m sure you get the picture.

I guess it really struck me as we were standing silently  under the cold gray skies with thousands of others who gathered. Especially in today’s world where convenience-on-demand is the norm, a lot of people just aren’t willing to pay for anything.

Everyone wants a better this, or a better that, a better place, a better world. But for the most part, people are only willing to pay with their 2 cents.

I think we all have to dig a lot deeper into our pockets (our hearts, our minds and our souls too) to cover the cost of a better world.

Disclaimer: It’s a personal opinion, which I’m entitled to. As I’m sure you’re entitled to leaving nasty comments. But please, if you disagree, let’s be civil about it.

how can I sum up the historic night that was the U.S Election?

I personally see it like this…

Imagine the cool guy in school gets elected student body president. He’s charismatic, and knows exactly what to say and how to say it. He’s also pretty transparent in what he’ll do for the school. You can’t deny that there’s something about this guy that makes you feel like you can really make a difference. Throughout his campaign, he’s worked hard and been pretty stable in his temperament and his vision. You really can’t deny that he’s influential and inspirational.

But… he let’s students pick on defenseless students. Students who don’t have the capacity to protect themselves. He does nothing to help them.

I can’t deny that I’m excited to see how Obama will change the landscape of the U.S. From economic change, to ending wars… I really believe he can do it.
I also can’t deny, that I’m scared for those who face the dilemma of an abortion. Obama’s policy makes it that much easier for someone in that position to spiral into the trauma, stress and guilt of an abortion, without any warning signs to help them.

No one’s perfect I guess. Welcome to the human race.

Obama… congratulations, but I’m watching you.

One word that I’ve encountered as of late is the word “professional.”

Many will automatically associate this word with being educated, and being in a certain field of expertise. Or the other could be doing something with much care and respect, or doing something with high regard. For example, a professional athlete vs. an amateur athlete.

When I look at this word, (with God’s grace) I’m now able to look at it deeply and quite simply. I see now the root word… which would be “Profess.”

When you profess, it means to affirm openly, declare or claim. To say to the world,

“This is who I am, This is what I do, this is what I stand for, and what I believe.”

If you’re able to see it this way, your job/career should give your life meaning, other than just something to reduce (or increase) your bills.

Many may look at others and see that they may never live up to what the world defines as “professional.” In my line of work, I feel it is part of my duty to bring back the true luster of this word. To help others really feel professional by truly being connected to their profession, in whatever their calling may be.

This is just one word of many that’s tarnished. There’s so many to try to restore. On the priority list…

LOVE.

but that’s another blog…

As we’re just over halfway with our cross canada tour for work, she’s in her third trimester of her pregnancy. With the natural aches and pains of being a sacred vessel of life, she still gives her all (and then some!) in the work that we share.

I will never know what it’s like to be pregnant. Thank God!

What I do know is that my wife kicks ass! Thank God even more!

It’s been very ’sobering’ when you really take the time to reflect. You can gauge how well you and your team have done, and you can also see in plain sight what has been lacking, and even better, where to go from now on.

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying:

“If you don’t know where you’ve been, you can’t get to where you’re going.”

If there’s anything I’m learning in the process, is to check yourself. Check yourself often. That way you’ll get to where you’re going a lot faster. You’ll also have a better appreciation of the journey, and the destination.

Travel well friends!