I am one of the lucking ones who had an opportunity to work for U.S. Senator Jim Abdnor. There are so many things special about this person. Back in 1980, this was a time of transition. I was starting college, and this was my first election to vote. Jim Abdnor was on the ballot, running [...]
“Going through the motions…” It is a phrase we hear maybe too often. It seems to mean we are just moving through activities without much thought or meaning. It may be like sleepwalking through a job or zoning out at home. Going through the motions is not a positive indication of living a life fully [...]
I am a fan of Donald Miller. From his blog and other interactions, I learned about Bob Goff and his book. When BookSneeze® offered it as an option, I grabbed the opportunity to read Love Does. Love Does is a book of short stories woven together in a fun and inspiring way. It is an [...]
I am not a sailor. I am a farmer’s son. As a teenager, one of the jobs I had was cultivating corn. I was on a tractor and, behind me, was an implement designed to remove weeds in between the rows of corn. The corn rows were left intact, as long as I could drive [...]
What do a meadowlark, cricket, and squirrel have to do with leadership? The answer in a minute… Nature has a way of spurring memories and calming minds. It is that fresh breeze blowing through the prairies or those cool, fresh mornings where everything seems renewed and possible. We hear a meadowlark sing their continuous song, [...]
There is an old political adage that states: “Don’t do something that you would not want to appear on the front page of The Washington Post.” Pick your favorite newspaper, as this was one the used while I was working in Washington, D.C., early in my career. The simple statement delivers sound advice. As always, [...]
Time is one of those things we all wrestle with. We are all given the same amount each day. We wake-up; we do work; we interact with family and friends. We repeat. After a time series flips forward, we wonder where it all went, especially when we don’t have too much to really show for [...]
Do your opinions matter? From time to time, this may be a key question we may think about, as it affects our perceived value from within as well as in our outward interactions. We all want our voice to be heard. We want it to matter in our relationships. At times, though, we wonder if [...]
During my drive home, I was mindlessly listening to some music but a line caught my attention. It was: Always trust your cape It was like a voice from my dashboard speaking directly to me. Always trust your cape. Immediately a few images came into mind. The first was Superman standing with his hands firmly [...]
Last week was Spring Break. We packed up and headed to Colorado for a week of skiing. I don’t ski though. Never have, and may never. It is not an issue of stamina, just slightly brittle bones. While the family skis, I spend time to catch up on projects and hike. This year it was [...]
Welcome! I’m Jon, and these are my thoughts on life, leading, and meaning. Our choices define us, so let's make the best ones possible. Join the conversation.
