The chance to be home with the ones I love. No. It isn’t ideal right now. However, if I have to be stuck somewhere for a protracted period of time…I want to to be with my wife and son.

I have found that some of the best conversations that I have had are because I was trying to show an act of kindness to the other person. If someone can sense that you care, they are much more willing to open up into conversation. They will definitely be glad that you talked to them.

I went through the line of a restaurant at lunch a couple of days ago. The lady running the register looked like she had had a rough day. You know the look I am referring to. She had had it rough and needed a break. As I got to the counter, she covered her mouth and let out a big yawn. I could tell that this would be a good opportunity to make her smile.

As she looked back at me, I smiled from ear to ear and said, "It is only noon. You must have started early and haven't caught a break." She smiled back at me. Her spirit lifted just a bit. What I said was not spectacular, but it was purposeful. I validated that she was a hard worker and that she had been doing her job. Someone had noticed. Someone cared. By smiling at her and showing her sincerity, I filled a need that she had.

So, the question is: When you talk to people, what do they need? It may be a laugh. It may be encouragement. They may just need someone else to acknowledge that they are there and important enough to speak to. People all around us need our contact. Practice it and let it become second nature.

I don't walk around all the time looking to have random conversation. However, I do want to know this about folks: what do they need? I do want the best for people. Because of that, I try my best to be a good conversationalist. If in the discussion I hear of a need. I want to help. If I fill a need they have, good.

It’s stranger out there then I have ever seen. Please stay safe and be kind.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:10-12 

         I remember the first time I saw the ocean. I was 16 and our high school choir had taken a trip or Orlando. I remember seeing the ocean for the first time and thinking it was cool, but I don’t think I paid enough attention to appreciate the awesome sight that was in front of me. (I was probably too busy thinking about girls).

         Fast forward three years. The Baptist Student Union at my school took a mission trip to South Padre Island for spring break. I know, sounds funny doesn’t it? It was called Beach Reach. It was a great opportunity to share my faith with people who were down there for spring break. We also had the opportunity to offer rides for people who had been drinking too much to help keep them safe. I remember standing and staring at the ocean for a second time. Again, it was cool, but that was about it.

         Move ahead two more years. I had just graduated college with a bachelors in “thank God I am out of school” when Marixa and I took our first cruise. I had never left the continental US before. I had never been in the middle of the ocean. It was awe inspiring. I looked out our window the first morning after we left. There was nothing as far as the eye could see. It was awesome, but it slipped into memory not long after.

         Four years later I found myself on the beach at Padre once again. This time was very different than all of the others. I stepped out waist deep and let the water crash around me. The sun was just setting and the ocean and sky seemed to meet each other to flow together. I remember the sounds of the waves crashing. The feel of the mist on my face. It was a holy moment that I treasure.

With a good friend by my side I gave thanks to God. I was less than three weeks out of chemotherapy. The testicular cancer that had invaded my body was gone. I was tired. I was bald. I was gaining strength, but still felt weak. I was so incredibly thankful. The same God that had spoken the ocean into existence had saved my life.

Having gone through that same cancer again all these years later, I am still so thankful that God has a plan for my life. I look forward to seeing it unfold. If the one who made the oceans is watching over me…I am good.

This one is a work in progress. I wrote the first verse and the chorus, but am stuck. This is outside of my life experience and I do t know what this feels like. If you want to co-write it with me I think it could be a good song. Any takers?

Verse 1

I pick up the boxes that lay all around…this dusty garage filled with reminders of life’s ups and downs. Looking for signs of a life spent with you, but I know that you took it all when you said we were through.

I hold out a hope that there are things left behind that will give me a glimpse through the shadows in my mind. Hoping the days that we spent won’t all fade away Because losing you was enough of a price to pay.

Chorus

Now I keep looking for the pieces of you. Hoping to find any scrap that will do. It’ll help me cope with the fact that you’re gone and hopefully give me the power to go on.