Perpetual Zero

The end of the month is here again, and tomorrow is another first. The first day of the month, again, and the record books record a zero. Zero income, zero sales, zero purchases, and zero customers are just the normal pattern for those in sales. Oh, the trend seems to be changing, but none really know. There are a few previous prospects, but no one can tell for sure if the sales will be made. The life of a salesperson is manifested by the perpetual zero.

What is a salary anyway? Most sales people do not know. Aren't they entitled as salespeople to security, constant monetary flow, and raises? Shouldn't there be some type of guarantee? What if a person does all that work and never makes a sale? Is that fair? Is that just? Why shouldn't he or she be entitled to some type of wage, benefits, and restitution for efforts made? Oh, only the perpetual zero knows.

How about entitlement? Isn't he or she entitled to some sort of money for effort? Shouldn't he or she be guaranteed vacation time, sales when he or she is gone, days off, sick days and the like? What kind of intestinal fortitude does one have to manage to weather the perpetual zero that arrives month after month after month? Are there really people out there who know nothing other than feast or famine, living where there is no promise of any money at the end of the week?

Indeed, and they live, work, and are driven by the perpetual zero. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Perpetual Zero

The end of the month is here again, and tomorrow is another first. The first day of the month, again, and the record books record a zero. Zero income, zero sales, zero purchases, and zero customers are just the normal pattern for those in sales. Oh, the trend seems to be changing, but none really know. There are a few previous prospects, but no one can tell for sure if the sales will be made. The life of a salesperson is manifested by the perpetual zero.

What is a salary anyway? Most sales people do not know. Aren't they entitled as salespeople to security, constant monetary flow, and raises? Shouldn't there be some type of guarantee? What if a person does all that work and never makes a sale? Is that fair? Is that just? Why shouldn't he or she be entitled to some type of wage, benefits, and restitution for efforts made? Oh, only the perpetual zero knows.

How about entitlement? Isn't he or she entitled to some sort of money for effort? Shouldn't he or she be guaranteed vacation time, sales when he or she is gone, days off, sick days and the like? What kind of intestinal fortitude does one have to manage to weather the perpetual zero that arrives month after month after month? Are there really people out there who know nothing other than feast or famine, living where there is no promise of any money at the end of the week?

Indeed, and they live, work, and are driven by the perpetual zero. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

A Downtown Gym Vacation

“I should get in shape. I need to lose a few pounds. I need therapy on this shoulder or knee, but the drive is so far away from work. What I wouldn't give for a massage during the middle of the day. I'd get my nails done, but I can never find the time.” Have readers ever heard these statements made? Are there people for whom it would be much more convenient to walk a block or so than to drive all the way across town for the gym? Are there folks who would just like an oasis in the middle of the day away from the office without having to manage the traffic, find or negotiate a parking spot, and just let it all hang out for a few minutes? If so, then why not have gym right downtown?

There it is. Convenient. Accessible. An Oasis. A Getaway. Therapy, both mental and physical. Dietary. Physiologically beneficial. Not overcrowded. Not a sweat box, but an executive room with state of the art equipment. No loud music, but motivation songs. Meeting rooms away from the office, and fresh smoothies or wraps on the premises. People providing premium services such as physical therapy, massage, facials and nail salon treatments. Could it be? Would there be? Should there be?

With the large amount of professionals who live and work in the downtown area, there must be an oasis, a refuge, a vacation within the day at this new gym. And, there will be. Those who are fortunate shall realize the benefits of this awesome twenty-four seven key-club training and professional services center, and those who take advantage will experience their vacation right in the middle of the day. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Another MRZ CENTRE Outreach Story

Each second and fourth Saturday of the month, the doors to the MRZ CENTRE in downtown Tallahassee open to receive guests who are in need of basic necessities. Groceries, clothing, shoes, sometimes medical care, and mostly care are given by volunteers who give just an hour or two of their time to care for people other than themselves. Some of those who receive become very special and have a story, and this time the story is about Sarah.

Sarah is a mother of several children, and she lives in the Quincy, Gretna area. Although she has children that are grown now, her grandchildren depend upon her. She knows the doors open at the MRZ CENTRE at nine o clock, but she is there sometimes before five thirty. Even though the wait is long, she doesn't mind because she knows the reason she is there. The groceries and clothing will help her family, and the time factor is a small price to pay.

Sarah, though, has become like many others who have attended the outreach. She now looks beyond her family needs and is reaching out to others. Her community has those who are lacking, and there is a great need for clothing, shoes and a little groceries. Her purpose for coming to the outreach has expanded as she gathers for others to whom she can give a little help.

Recently Sarah gave away the shoes that were on her feet to another person who needed them. She received those brand new tennis shoes from the outreach, and although they were beneficial to her, the other person was more important in her eyes. She continues to give to others to the point that she now desires to start an outreach in her own community. Before long, she will begin to give to others that which she has received, and that spirit is what is given more than anything else at the MRZ CENTRE Outreach. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Advantageous Losing

The little boy was overheard saying, “Losing is the Pitts!” after his little league baseball game, and most people would have to agree. The emotional expenditure for losing at something is not only significant, but it can be overwhelming. But are there times when losing is a good thing? Are there times when losing is advantageous rather than a defeat?

Losing hair, losing money, losing friends, losing loved ones, losing jobs, losing transportation, losing papers, losing court battles are just a few of the many opportunities to lose. What about the example of the losing that is demonstrated on talent shows? One by one when people are eliminated some appear to have lost at life itself. The devastation of losing is manifested upon every face when it comes to sports events, and who can even begin to describe the agony that is shown by those who experience loss of life? However, within the midst of loss, is there gain to be found?

Deeper reflection must be engaged to find benefits to losing, advantage to loss. Character is revealed and built in the times of loss. What is within a person manifests itself when the other side wins, the other group prevails or the opponent has victory. Anyone rejoices when they make a touchdown, but how often does the camera reveal jubilation when there is a fumble, a dropped ball or even worse, a missed opportunity? Losing is much like fruit trees, the revelation of the type of tree one sees is contingent upon the type of fruit it's bearing, and that takes a little while to be displayed.

There is at least one thing that most people are happy to lose: weight! Get rid of the fat, get rid of the belly, get rid of this extra spare tire one is carrying, and losing is winning, loss is gain, defeat is victory. In fact, weight loss centers and the like make fortunes from promoting such loss. Losing debt is another one, and perhaps the reader will be victorious and think of a few more advantageous losses while he or she wins by engaging in opportunities that have potential for loss, but avoid the greatest loss of all which is never to participate. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Stand and Wait

Standing. Waiting. Standing. Waiting. Two of the most difficult parts of living are...standing and waiting. When everything else has been tried and all efforts have been made, stand. After one has stood, then he or she must wait. Both incur patience. Both require forbearance, and yet both, are so challenging.

Why does it seem as though most people choose the drive through line at the bank that takes the longest even though it has the least cars? What is it about choosing the grocery store checkout line that no matter which line one chooses, that one takes the most time even if it is the express checkout lane? Why does it seem that the operation goes a littler longer than expected, or the person says more in the speech than desired, the drive across town takes forever, and the expectation of desired relatives visiting never seems to come fast enough?

Why does it seem that time indeed flies when a person is having fun, but if that same person is in a class or called for jury duty, the second hands move slower? Does anyone remember looking at the second hands on the clocks on the wall in high school classrooms? Did anyone else wonder why telekinesis didn't work or prayer never seemed to make it go faster? When the difficulties arise time seems to move so slowly and waiting is at a premium, however, when the good times roll they seem to move at locomotive speed.

Sometimes one of the greatest attributes a person can have is the ability to do all, and then stand. When patience is employed after exhaustion of all efforts have been made, then things beyond one's control have place to move in directions never even dreamed of before. Stand. Wait. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Stuck in Routines

So, here's the pattern. She wakes up, goes to the bathroom, meanders into the kitchen. She hasn't bothered to put on makeup or brush her hair. It's much too early for that, but rather she makes a pot of coffee. She turns on the news just to see if something happened over night, and settles in for a moment to clear her head for the day. The children will be up soon, and as usual she'll have to wake that one up several times because he never gets up on time. It's her routine, and without even thinking, she does it day, after day, after day, after day...

Are readers people of habit? Do they travel the same route every day? Do they manage the same people, function in the same job, sit in the same spot, have their desks in the same position, and talk with the same people every day? Is the weekend so exciting because it breaks with the routine?

What about places one sits in public? Do readers sit in the same place every time they go to church? Do they get upset when someone has “their” spot, and like one lady heard speaking say loudly, “Hey, you have my spot!” Creatures of habit and patterns of normalcy are difficult routines to alter.

One wonders, what would happen if every reader did something a little out of the ordinary, the dull, the mundane today? What if they tried a different way to work, a different person to talk with, a different place to sit, or maybe a different way to perform some task? But of course, there is the always faithful rut, that is not much more than a grave with both ends cut out. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Two, Two, and More Twos

What is is about the word “two” anyway? “Two are better than one; It takes two to tango; Two bits; Two's company, three's a crowd; Two times the cheese as other brands; Take two; If two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?” and other phrases that employ the word two are rampantly used by people and advertisers every day. Twice as much can be a good thing, but a bad thing it may also be.

It's good when a person has had two anniversaries, unless those anniversaries are of some tragic event. Two wins can be great, unless one plays for the opposing team. Two children are wonderful, unless they are both throwing up at the same time. Two jobs can be beneficial, unless they keep a person away from his or her family. Two scoops are better than one, unless those two scoops give a tummy ache. But then again, who really cares about the results as long as there can be twice as much, right?

Double meat, double cheese, double dog dare, double trouble, double the fun, double the love, double the ride, double the days, double the years, double the money, double the tears, double on the double because two is better, and two is necessary, and two must be because two is what one needs. Twice the debt? Twice the carnage? Twice the trouble? Twice the bet? Twice the harm? Twice the visit? Twice the doctors? Twice the vets? But then again, if one thinks twice, two times some things is not very nice, and one would rather be if he had two too, a choice that one would be better than two. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Trapped by the Past

There they are. The memories of years gone by. Much water has passed under the bridge by now, but still those thoughts linger. He did this. She did that. This happened over here, and that happened over there. If a person could go back, he or she would change it, but there is no passage. If those thoughts could be erased, freedom would reign, but there is no vanishing oil. That which is done is done, and that which has been affected has been affected. It's as if one is trapped by the past.

So, what is one to do? The haunting of the event remains each waking day. Trod after trod and reminder after reminder mark the path of the present and the future for the one who is trapped by the past. Not one day passes where those memories do not appear, and most of the emotions tied to them resurface like waves in the ocean at least for a moment. Is there no solution? Is there no getting free? Is there no one who really cares?

Carry the past. Put the past in a mental backpack or locker and carry it. It remains in the mind whether one chooses to carry it or not, however, the past's affect is now altered. Instead of a weight, it becomes a wing. Instead of obstruction, it becomes motivation. Instead of impediment, it becomes fuel. The present and future of a person's life becomes the past of tomorrow, so why not use those hard experiences as synergy for having great memories in the future? Those who find this path will live with zeal, and the past will push them to greater places than they ever would have experienced without it. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Hearty Work

Nonchalant. Indifferent. Inert. Apathetic. Unconcerned. Do these words describe most of the American workforce? What if the job or situation is boring, forced, or thrown upon? Is the reaction different then? How many people push themselves to be the greatest they can be no matter what situation they find themselves in? How many work heartily as unto one greater than themselves even if that someone isn't around to see?

The old saying is that the character of a person can be told by whether he or she sweeps in the corners of a room. Most just brush by the corners, however, the hearty worker tries not to miss even one spot. Is there space for this type worker today or has the illness of entitlement pushed people toward “that's good enough” mentality? The path of least resistance seems to be rampant, and those who work beyond the level of expectation are becoming the minority.

What would happen if indifference and apathy were removed, and there was a rally of hearty workers? What if there was a “day's work for a day's wages” again? Would this mentality bring greater efficiency, greater self-worth, and renewed advancement within the workforce again? Would eye-service be replaced by workers of integrity who performed their duties whether someone was watching or not? But, then again, people call these ideals “a dream, poppycock, balderdash, and fairy tale”, or is it? Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

The Constant Nag

Drip. Drip. Drip. Tick. Tick. Tick. Those who read know that of which the writer speaks. Those noises, those nags, those never ending continuum that never seem to stop. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat, the same phrase over and over, and say again, say again, say again the same request. There never seems to be an end of the consistent chime of the one who is a constant nag.

Those who defend say there is justification, “You never listen” they may say or “Why don't you respond the first time?” they might ask. Why certainly there is explanation for repeating oneself over and over and over again, right? Besides, are there not coffee cups out that give colorful cartoons about “Behind every nag is an every loving ewe.”, correct? One mustn't buck the coffee cup mantra now, right? Right? Right?

In fact, one is being quite Biblical when repeating the raging tones, aren't they? “A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.”, and everyone knows how important it is to be Biblical, don't they? Don't they? Don't they? And perhaps for some even the repetitious writings of one who repeats, repeats, repeats still lack in understanding upon that which the writer chants, chants, chants. So here is a little help, those who are the recipients of those who nag, nag, nag are soon to become dull of hearing, and though the volume is increased, they only hear “Wah, wah, wah...wah, wah, wah, wah, wah, wah” as though they just tuned in to another episode of “Charlie Brown”. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Relational Candy Bar

A man stood in line once to prepay for gasoline. Laid out before him were the inevitable candy bar delights that tempt most patrons of the convenience store fueling stations. After looking for some time, he noticed that the stash of candy delights included his wife's favorite,and upon further inspection, he found that the price for the single, regular sized candy bar was sixty nine cents! Sixty nine cents, at a time when the price for candy bars was three for a dollar? Outrageous! Still something within him said , “Buy her that candy bar.”

Now, under normal circumstances most would not make such a fuss over such a small expense, however, the thought of spending such a “large” amount over the price the same item could be purchased for at another store overwhelmed for a moment. The thoughts continued, “How much is that candy bar worth?” “Thirty cents” was the immediate answer to which the thoughts responded, “Then spend thirty cents on the candy bar and the other thirty nine cents on relationship.” The mental discussion was over, and even the tax was paid!

The point? Some items purchased have more value in them than just the value of the item itself. Some involve intangibles that cannot be measured by mere substance, but rather by thoughtfulness, care, and love. Maybe the next time a purchase is made for someone a person loves when it doesn't seem that there is much value in the product, the additional value of relationship will be factored into the purchase price, and therein will lie the deal of a lifetime. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Relational Candy Bar

A man stood in line once to prepay for gasoline. Laid out before him were the inevitable candy bar delights that tempt most patrons of the convenience store fueling stations. After looking for some time, he noticed that the stash of candy delights included his wife's favorite,and upon further inspection, he found that the price for the single, regular sized candy bar was sixty nine cents! Sixty nine cents, at a time when the price for candy bars was three for a dollar? Outrageous! Still something within him said , “Buy her that candy bar.”

Now, under normal circumstances most would not make such a fuss over such a small expense, however, the thought of spending such a “large” amount over the price the same item could be purchased for at another store overwhelmed for a moment. The thoughts continued, “How much is that candy bar worth?” “Thirty cents” was the immediate answer to which the thoughts responded, “Then spend thirty cents on the candy bar and the other thirty nine cents on relationship.” The mental discussion was over, and even the tax was paid!

The point? Some items purchased have more value in them than just the value of the item itself. Some involve intangibles that cannot be measured by mere substance, but rather by thoughtfulness, care, and love. Maybe the next time a purchase is made for someone a person loves when it doesn't seem that there is much value in the product, the additional value of relationship will be factored into the purchase price, and therein will lie the deal of a lifetime. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

FIDIM Again

Redundancy is often boring, and many regard it as repetitious minutia. However, when it comes to buying automobiles, the frequent changing of vehicle needs and purchases serves to merit the repeating of fundamentals. Of which, the writer repeats FIDIM.

For those first exposed, there is much more to purchasing a vehicle than the initial price. Of course there are the normal dealer fees, taxes, title and license fees, but in addition there are costs to vehicle ownership that should be considered upon purchasing. They are best remembered buy the acronym “FIDIM” described below:

F = Fuel Costs

I = Interest Costs

D= Depreciation Costs

I = Insurance Costs

M = Maintenance Costs

The wise purchaser of an automobile or truck looks into these additional expenses before he or she buys a vehicle. The associated costs for ownership may increase or decrease one's monetary outgo depending upon the vehicle. Some vehicles cost more per month for fuel, others with a higher price cost more in interest. Still others may have greater depreciation expense, and insurance and maintenance may be greater on one type of vehicle rather than another. The key is to do a little research and factor in the total monthly amount per vehicle. Some vehicles whose price is a little higher may be the better value in the long run.

So, there it is. FIDIM again, and those who take heed will save, save save when they purchase their next vehicle. Until tomorrow...Why Pay More?

As a Child

She's tiny, and she sits belted within a collapsible stroller. She's only nineteen months old, and she's with her mother who is engaged within paperwork that she holds at a local tag agency. Today's venture for the tiny coffee colored tot with braids uniformly twisted on her head is to be with mom during one of the more difficult endurances of life. Mom is serious, but the eyes of the little one are filled with expectancy. Mom is studying, and the small child is exploring her world. Mom is the adult and sees the world that way, and the little one sees the world as a child.

A chair leg is just within reach, and the tiny tot grabs it with success. She pulls the chair toward her stroller, and her smile denotes achievement. Such a small task has intrigued her tiny little frame. Her mother pushes the chair back to it's place, and the little girl reaches and pulls it toward her once again. Another smile arises as another success has been realized. Once again her mother pushes the chair back into place, however this time she moves the stroller too so that the chair is unreachable. This upsets the little girl for a moment as she grabs futilely toward the chair that in now too far away. Disappointment comes, and her smile is replaced with a frown. Good times are over, and success is beyond ability to obtain.

Isn't it amazing how such frivolity can entertain? Doesn't the world seem grander through the eyes of a child? As one grows older does intrigue leave and suspicion arrive? Do the smaller successes become taken for granted, and daunting tasks seem the venue of the day? Perhaps a visit to the world through the eyes of a child would be good medicine for the ailing outlook that some have developed. Perhaps unless one receives as a little child he or she will never know the world that was intended to be? Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

As a Mother

Her hair is silver from years of wisdom, and her eyes have seen much and yet are filled with youth. She is sullen when sullen is required, and joyful when laughter reigns. Her smile is contagious, and those who know her experience her love for her family. She has been a faithful wife and mother to four, yet five, and though she now lives alone, her savior is with her all the time.

She engages herself in volunteer activities such as the famed “Pink Ladies” at the hospital, Sunday school teacher, and “Cuddler” to prematurely born infants, and her passion for the small ones is promoted from the loss of one birthed in her past. Care is abundant, and as she serves to feed and clothe those less fortunate, she is often reminded of the abundance she has enjoyed from her husband first.

She has sat up late listening to her children. She has traveled far, and spent much time for those she loves most. Her mother, father, sister, daughter, and first and second husbands now await on the other side, but her race isn't finished yet. Her children call her blessed as she continues to run, and listen, and serve, and be, a servant of the Most High God, and for seven decades today she marks herself as a godly woman with integrity, love, passion, and care for all those to whom He has placed within her path. Happy Birthday, mom. The writer loves you. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Wrinkles

The commercial says, “Removes ugly wrinkles”. The lotion states, “To eliminate aging marks”, and plastic surgery shows, “By pulling one's face back and trimming the skin, those lines are taken out.” And so goes the saga of trying to find and drink from the fountain of youth to avoid wrinkles that come naturally both in life and in circumstances.

Wrinkles upon the body reflect the temporal state of the physical, and although some today try to avoid the aging process, their faces often end up looking like a tiny mask that has been stretched over a basketball. Some even look like they should be in the circus. Many of these have a difficult time moving their lips because they are stretched so tightly. So much for avoiding those wrinkles.

Wrinkles also show up in circumstances. Just when the path or choice should be straight, another bump in the road shows up. A little alteration here, a little finagling there, some ironing here and pressing there, and that wrinkle is smoothed out only to find that another one lie in the path ahead. From wrinkle to wrinkle, alteration to alteration, challenge to challenge, life is often moving from one crinkle or crease to another.

Take a look in the mirror. Are there wrinkles there? Take a look at life, are the crinkles ahead? If so, breathe, and realize that the process of aging is as natural as it can be, and those who learn to adjust to it have the nicest countenances of them all. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Wrinkles

The commercial says, “Removes ugly wrinkles”. The lotion states, “To eliminate aging marks”, and plastic surgery shows, “By pulling one's face back and trimming the skin, those lines are taken out.” And so goes the saga of trying to find and drink from the fountain of youth to avoid wrinkles that come naturally both in life and in circumstances.

Wrinkles upon the body reflect the temporal state of the physical, and although some today try to avoid the aging process, their faces often end up looking like a tiny mask that has been stretched over a basketball. Some even look like they should be in the circus. Many of these have a difficult time moving their lips because they are stretched so tightly. So much for avoiding those wrinkles.

Wrinkles also show up in circumstances. Just when the path or choice should be straight, another bump in the road shows up. A little alteration here, a little finagling there, some ironing here and pressing there, and that wrinkle is smoothed out only to find that another one lie in the path ahead. From wrinkle to wrinkle, alteration to alteration, challenge to challenge, life is often moving from one crinkle or crease to another.

Take a look in the mirror. Are there wrinkles there? Take a look at life, are the crinkles ahead? If so, breathe, and realize that the process of aging is as natural as it can be, and those who learn to adjust to it have the nicest countenances of them all. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Hearing in the Shadows

Clamor and clanging, honking and screaming, signals here, banging there, is there not a place of solace? Is there not a place of silence? Is there not a place in the shadows where one can hear that which is being spoken constantly and yet unheard? Indeed.

The story is told of a man who wanted to hear a voice that was much greater than his own. The longing within him was passionate, and the more time that was spent away from the greater voice, the more desire grew. As he stood on the side of a mountain, a marvelous whirlwind came along, but there was no voice heard in the wind. When the wind ended, a tumultuous earthquake erupted, the but voice wasn't heard in the earthquake. After the earthquake, a huge fire passed before him, but the voice was not in the fire. Finally, in the shadows, and in the silence, a still small voice was heard, and at once the passion of the man was fulfilled.

Many times the noises of the world manage to dissuade a person from peace and fulfillment. Voices and stammering sounds impede the ability for one to hear. Silence is not only golden but essential for the inner soul to hear the one who speaks greater than one's own voice. However, this voice must be heard in the shadows, and most of those shadows emanate from deep within. Shhhhhh..........Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Another MRZ CENTRE Outreach Story

Today is another MRZ CENTRE Outreach in downtown Tallahassee, Florida, and so it's time for another MRZ CENTRE Outreach story. His name is Tommy, and he's in his early thirties. He's a tall African American man with a huge smile and a great heart. He has need both for himself and his mother, and they convene at the outreach early. Although the doors open at nine, Tommy and his mother are usually there just after five. It's cold, but their need is great.

Tommy has just endured an operation that requires special treatment, so when the volunteers arrive, he asks to sit inside the large open garage while the event is set up. He shows pain on his face, but he endures for the benefits that will be offered. A volunteer named Steve befriends Tommy and asks if he can pray for his wounds to heal, of which Tommy abides, and nothing more is said about it. The doors for the guests are opened right at nine o clock, and Tommy and his mother are allowed toward the front of the line. They receive their bags of groceries, gather some clothing, get a couple pair of shoes, and leave the event.

Two weeks later another MRZ CENTRE Outreach was held. Tommy came to the backdoor with a huge smile just after volunteers arrived. His report was that since Steve prayed for him, he was healed. Tommy told people he was a singer and asked if he could share a song with the volunteers. When the time to gather the volunteers together just before the doors opened to receive guests again, Tommy was asked to sing. In an acapella baritone voice, Tommy sang, “Lord, we need a blessing” as tears ran down volunteers eyes. Spontaneous applause erupted as soon as the song ended, and Tommy is now a regular volunteer who helps with setup at MRZ CENTRE before the event begins. Some may wonder why anyone would reach out to others in need? Tommy is the answer to that question. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Pain, an Indication of Wrong

“Ouch! That hurts! Oh, that is so sore! He's not sure what it is but it aches deep inside. There's this pain deep within that cannot be explained”, and on and on go the phrases people use when they are hurting. A paper cut is identified by pain. Hitting one's thumb with a hammer releases pain, and aches from deep within the core of a body that are as a result of emotional trauma, difficulties and loss are noticed through pain. Pain is an interesting indicator that something is wrong, and something that is needed.

But what if there were no pain? What if a person could not feel even the greatest damage to the body? What if the nerve endings were damaged to the point that no pain was ever felt? Why mice could chew the end of toes off in the middle of the night, and no one would awake. A cut person could bleed to death before he or she knew there was any trouble, and kitchen experts would keep chopping along even though their finger lay severed behind. An indication of pain is a marvelous advantage.

“Where does it hurt? How often does the pain occur? What remedies have been tried? Does it happen when sleeping or just when awake, during the day, at night, etc.? What if he's faking, or what if it's phantom pain? Is it perceived or real?” (Ever heard those words?) But what if there was one who knew every sore place, every hurt, every sorrow and every pain people ever endured? What if he was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief? What if his pain indicator not only registered for himself, but also for others throughout the whole world, and what if his objective was to remove all pain and the source of pain from finger pricks to heartbreaks? What kind of physician would he be? What greatness would be attributed to him, and who would not come to him to have their pain removed?

Some people might enjoy pain, but by all indications from the sorrow that emanates from the faces of hurting people, a physician like that would be welcomed into everyone's life or would he? One supposes that only those who seek for him will know. Otherwise, pain will endure, and hurting will continue. There is advantage in finding the Great Physician. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

The Reconciliatory Daysman

An arbitrator; a mediator; a negotiator; an ambassador; one who goes in between: These are all fitting titles to a person who comes in the middle of opposing sides and works to have a compromise. Each side is right in their own eyes, and each side has made a stand. One is not moving from their position, and the other remains firm. Whatever will bridge this impasse, and who shall move this deadlock? The reconciliatory daysman, that's who.

The reconciliatory daysman? Who is that? Who has heard of the reconciliatory daysman before? Is this made up? Is he fairytale? Is there even such a fellow? Is this another one of those fabricated nuances that people conjure up just to manage fodder for the given script? No, and a million times no, however, one must ponder to find who the person is, and those who find him know the purpose of mediation for which he came.

Is there separation and a gulf that cannot be passed? Are there arguments that serve only to inflame rather than to mend? Are there opposing sides upon which no impasse or way of peace is found? Is there within the bantering irreconcilable differences that only a miracle could repair? It's quite possible that it is imperative that a daysman with reconciliatory power intervene lest peace escape, and both inward and outward war continue. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Remember That?

“Can I borrow some coffee? Do you have a cup of sugar? Would you mind if I borrowed your tools, garage, or water hose?” Most have experienced that neighbor. The neighbor who wants to borrow and use, and for the most part neighborliness is very important to getting along, but how about that neighbor who finally does something in return, and then wants to charge for it? Their words when they don't receive payment right away are, “I'll remember that”.

Isn't it amazing how their “rememeberer” works so well when it comes to something they think they should be paid for and their “forgetter” functions even better when it comes to something they have used, borrowed or had? They may have had three or four hundred cups of coffee next door and only provided a can or two over the years, or maybe they used the sugar, creamer, plates, cups, napkins and sitting area of their neighbor's home, but that won't count one iota when they should be paid.

It reminds the writer of a man who chased his family member out of his house at Thanksgiving one year because this family member would come to partake of the entire Thanksgiving meal with his entire family and only bring a can of unopened peas to contribute. Year after year the unopened can of peas would be offered as his portion until finally the owner of the house had enough, and off he went.

One supposes there is enough selfishness and greed to share among everyone, however, there does seem to be those who have great penchants toward remembering and forgetting what they want, and maybe this writing will help those who “remember that” to “remember this” so that the next time they want to “remember that” this “remember this” will jar them into “remembering that” which has already been taken advantage of in the past. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Not Really Inspired

There's a whole lot of nothing going around. Nothing to do, nothing to say, and nothing that gives any indication of anywhere to go. The absence of inspiration is a motivation for procrastination, and deliberation and pontification only lead to subjugation of a congregation of those who would rather be absent. To be or not to be never comes into play, for to not be seems to be far less effort upon those who are not really inspired.

Indifference and apathy are plenty good reasons to not get involved, and besides, there's nothing to really do anyway, is there? There is no one in need, no one without, and no one who has had a bad go of it. There is no one sick or in the hospital, and everyone is financially healthy, right? There are no traffic problems or crime, or lonely people in the world, and if anyone has checked lately, no one really needs any help with their children. The world functions pretty well without any more people getting inspired to do anything about it, doesn't it?

What if, for a moment, someone could really see a couple of small problems in the world? A little hunger here, a little without clothes there, no shelter here, a little sickness there, would there be any inspiration? What if there was a little crime, a little financial crisis, or even a few folks who needed a little help with their children? What if those who were not really inspired took a glance around to find that problems do abound, and when they're found it would be really sound for more to be bound to help those who live upon this ground. And oh what an inspirational ground it is. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

If Only...

If he would have only thrown that pass. If he would only have been open. If that guy would have only not dropped the ball or fumbled the ball or ran the ball. If the coach had only called that play or used this player or been paying attention. If only, if only, if only...

There will be a lot of “If onlys” discussed today. Those on the losing side will try to alleviate and eliminate the pain within whether it be great or small. They'll pontificate upon the play calls, and they'll question the decisions. They'll rerun the passes and pass back and forth the runs, and armchair warriors will administer their own solutions that would have won the game of course.

However, there shall the the gloaters – the armchair spectating warriors of course, but nonetheless the gloaters. They'll share how great they are, yet they were never on the field. They'll wear their colors again today to show the world they are winners, and they'll notify everyone that “they” won, and some will rub it in others faces to the point that another battle might ensue, and on and on it goes surrounding what is now in the past.

If only it were different.

If only people knew.

If only twas a reason beyond the game ensued.

If only for a moment,

maybe one or two,

people knew the way it feels when other people lose.

If only for a tiny time,

if only for a few,

winners had compassion instead of gloating too.

Far too soon the one who wins

will be a loser too,

and when the time “if onlys” come,

they'll reap compassion too.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

If Only...

If he would have only thrown that pass. If he would only have been open. If that guy would have only not dropped the ball or fumbled the ball or ran the ball. If the coach had only called that play or used this player or been paying attention. If only, if only, if only...

There will be a lot of “If onlys” discussed today. Those on the losing side will try to alleviate and eliminate the pain within whether it be great or small. They'll pontificate upon the play calls, and they'll question the decisions. They'll rerun the passes and pass back and forth the runs, and armchair warriors will administer their own solutions that would have won the game of course.

However, there shall the the gloaters – the armchair spectating warriors of course, but nonetheless the gloaters. They'll share how great they are, yet they were never on the field. They'll wear their colors again today to show the world they are winners, and they'll notify everyone that “they” won, and some will rub it in others faces to the point that another battle might ensue, and on and on it goes surrounding what is now in the past.

If only it were different.

If only people knew.

If only twas a reason beyond the game ensued.

If only for a moment,

maybe one or two,

people knew the way it feels when other people lose.

If only for a tiny time,

if only for a few,

winners had compassion instead of gloating too.

Far too soon the one who wins

will be a loser too,

and when the time “if onlys” come,

they'll reap compassion too.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

For Me to Live is...

The Big Game is today, and it seems that everyone is aware. The advertisers are. The fans are. The foods are, so let the parties begin! Today is living. Today this is what it's all about. Today for me to live is...

What do people live for? It's kind of a fill in the blank question. Some might comment cynically, “I have no interest at all in today's game. Who's playing anyway? I'm so glad cable is now available, because I will be watching a good movie.” Others would say, “For me to live is the Superbowl.” These fans will be dressed in team colors, wear team hats, paint their faces, scream and yell at the top of their lungs at the good or bad plays, and to them, this is living.

But fill in the blank: for me to live is...going fishing; for me to live is reading a book; for me to live is sipping on a fresh cup of coffee overlooking the Smokey mountains; and on and on the list goes. One man from the past commented, “For me to live is Christ.” Interesting, could it be that someone would have such an impact in a person's life that when asked the question, “What do you live for?” they would say that person's name?

Oh, by the way, the big game is today. So, what do you live for? Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Count the Costs

If every “yes” that someone says contains a complimentary “no”, and every time someone affirms in one place, they negate another, one should examine the costs for the “yes” and “no” decisions. For example, “I have to go to work” also says, “I cannot stay home.” (Unless one works at home of course), means there will be a cost for not staying home or there will be a cost for going to work. Most people won't stop long enough to know the costs that will be incurred for their decisions until after decisions are made. However, much heartache may be saved by counting the costs in advance.

People who marry realize the costs after they do so, and so do people with children. Married people generally forsake all others, and those with children know the costs of late nights either rocking, feeding, burping or worrying about their children, and that's only speaking of when they're teenagers. Spouses don't generally like it when faithfulness isn't kept, nor do parents like it when children rebel. There are certain costs associated with matrimony and parenthood.

Where one spends his or her time has associated costs, and since person has a difficulty being two places at one time, if they choose to be in one place, they cannot be at another. There is a cost for being absent from this event rather than that, and often the costs associated with absenteeism is relational and has its effects long after the event is missed. For example when a father misses his son's high school graduation for a softball game, or when a mother misses the board meeting for her daughter's dance. Each have their respective costs, and one must choose which one will lose and which one will win. The choice will contain pending results, and the one who chooses will pay the price.

So, who will it be? Greenbay or Pittsburgh? The wife or the mistress? The boss or the child? Here or there? Belief or unbelief? Time or no time? Give or not to give? Be or not to be? and on and on the choices with consequences roll. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Just Another Bubble

A mother looks longingly into her baby's crying eyes in the middle of the night, and wonders what is wrong. She's tried everything, and nothing seems to work. She's fed her, nursed her, rocked her, walked with her, and wiped the baby down with a soft towel. Every attempt fails, and now the mother is exhausted.

She continues the relief attempt though her eyes begin to sag, and at this point she's not sure if it's the baby that needs relief or herself. The truth is, it's probably both. She puts her down, and she lifts her up. She rolls her over, and she let's her sit still. Sometimes there is a little sign of it stopping, but then like a roaring lion, the vociferous tumult begins again. The mother speaks out loud through her teeth, “What is wrong with you?”

Suddenly, the tiny infant lets out a man sized eructation, otherwise known as a “burp”, and instantly a smile is on the baby's face. The tears are gone, and there's no more crying. Laughter replaces screaming, and now the baby just wants to play for a moment before she instantly goes to sleep. The mother looks on in awe. She can't believe what just happened. If she had known that, she could have been asleep a long time ago! All that was wrong was a little gas? All that was wrong was a little bubble?

The writer is reminded of an old saying, “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” Sometimes relationships are like working with babies in the middle of the night. There's a bubble formed somewhere, and crying, screaming, weeping and wailing will continue until the eructation occurs. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Preparations for MRZ CENTRE Outreach

Preparations are made for most events that occur with any success. Notwithstanding, the MRZ CENTRE Outreach in downtown Tallahassee is no different. Over a week ahead of time, groceries must be ordered and reserved. Two days before the Saturday of the event, the ordered food must be picked up along with bread, pastries and such, and all is delivered to the MRZ CENTRE, refrigerated and stored. Those involved in these activities are unknown to most and prepare behind the scenes.

On the morning of the outreach that occurs every second and fourth Saturday of each month, people arrive as early as seven a.m. to begin transforming the fifty eight hundred foot garage area of MRZ CENTRE for a receiving line. Tables are unfolded, and makeshift display areas are put in place. Clothing is brought down from the storage areas, and shoes are put into the special shoe station. Groceries are placed on carts and in baskets to be carried to their staging area, and volunteers work like busy ants scurrying to make coffee, provide a place for muffins, donuts, and other goodies to give away. Some volunteers arrange toys and gifts that have been donated. and many books, and other help items line an area that sits by a free cell phone call table. If medical personnel attend, a makeshift medical area is set up. Music is being played, and people are excited about the opportunity to help others who are in need.

MRZ CENTRE Outreach is basically a mission trip, a mini one, nonetheless, a mission trip to help those who are without within Tallahassee's own area. There is no fanfare for the volunteers, and the papers do not write about them every week. There is no pay, and there are not very many thank yous or pats on the back, but those who have prepared for the MRZ CENTRE Outreach are rewarded within their own souls. Though those who have been there are basically unknown, they know the joy of the riches within that will never fade away, and no one will ever be able to take those riches from them. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Closed Doors Open Windows

The man on the commercial yells, “It's my money, and I want it now!” Now. Now. Now is a word with which most people are very familiar. “I want this now. I want that now. I don't want to wait for this, and I don't want to wait for that. I want it NOW!” is the mantra. This characteristic manifests itself greatest when denial after denial occurs. Like a steaming locomotive, the rage gathers force every time a closed door appears. The trouble incurred by raging and steaming is that open windows will pass one by, and the desired opportunity is never gained.

“No” is often a very hard word to accept, however, how many can think of a “No” that was given in their lives where at the time they were angry about it, but now they are very thankful? That girl, that guy, that job, that experience, once were desired, but someone said “No”, and now the reader is glad they did. Closed doors are like that. They are “Nos”. They are rejecting, and they are sometimes difficult to accept, but more than likely that “No”, that closed door, will only lead to an open window that will be much greater than if the door opened right now.

A wise person will allow closed doors to motivate them to look for the open window. Each closed door pushes a person closer and closer to the opportunity that will be best and without regret, and with that being said, the writer closes. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Just a Knot in the Universe

Man used to think he was something big, something great, something huge in the universe. Then, Copernicus came along, and man found out that he was just a knot on a knot on a speck on a knot of a speck of that knot in the universe. Man was not nearly as big, great and huge as he thought. There was more, greater and exceeding abundantly more out there than his tiny little significance.

How big is the universe anyway? Just when scientist think they know the answer, they find it to be even greater in size. How many stars and galaxies are out there, and just how did they get there anyway? If those celestial bodies are so huge, so vast, so Brobdingnagian, why would tiny little man even begin to believe he was intelligent enough to figure it all anyway?

An old manuscript describes the one who rolls the oceans around like a drop in his palm. It says he measures the universe with his span. Now for those who don't know, a “span” is about the distance from the end of a person's thumb to the tip of his or her pinky finger. Spread the hand, and that's how he measures the universe.

This writing goes on to say that the stars, as huge as they are, were the work of his fingers, and that he knows each of them by name. Think of all those names, and try to accomplish that task, oh. “little knot”. It might be just a tad easier just to get to know the one who knows. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?