We have talked about when perception is not reality; now, let’s take a look at when perception is reality. Depending on the source, studies indicate that 70-80%+ of communication is body language. As noted in 5-2-20’s posting, it is easy to misunderstand what is...
Perception is reality, except when it is not. You may be thinking, “What does that mean?” If I think you are angry at me, then my reality is just that. You have a terrible pounding headache as I approach you for conversation. With none of your usual welcoming...
There is an old expression called the seven last words of the church, and those words are “we’ve never done it that way before.” How we deal with change tells us a lot about what we believe and hold dear. One of my favorite musicals is “Fiddler on...
What is better than wealth, power, and experience? Solomon answers “wisdom.” But what kind of wisdom does he have in mind? The earmark of the opposite is “one who no longer knows how to heed a warning.” (Eccl. 4:13 NIV) We can call it...
In good times and bad, meaningful friendships make life better. It’s 3:00 AM, you stir from sleep to go to the restroom, but when your feet touch the floor, the carpet feels like a mossy creek bed. A quick moment of thought combined with wriggling your toes confirms...
If contemplated, the words are profound, moving, “I saw something meaningless under the sun: There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother.” (Eccl. 4:7-8 NIV). All alone, no amount of success, of any kind, can ease the pain of aloneness, not even...
How much do you need to be happy? At what level of success will you find contentment? For several days, I’ve moved away from Ecclesiastes, but I feel drawn back to the book. Ecclesiastes is especially relevant to us at this moment in history. We generally...
This week I was called upon to assist a family who lost a loved one. I am glad to say that the death was not COVID related. As I drive to homes where there is a loss, I ask God to help me to be a blessing. Unlike Jesus, I can’t reverse the loss. I learned a long time ago what...
I would say and hope that most people who have known me over the years would agree that I’ve never been a mean person. I do have a few memories of some less than well thought through decisions. One Fourth of July, when I was in grade school, several of us from the...
Yikes! Not another one!! This pandemic has been around for a long time. It has seriously infected percentage of the population of the US. It destroys families and friends. It limits growth and squelches enjoyment of all our regular interactions. What am I talking about? The...
