What can I do for my tribe?

I know I am not the most popular person.  I am not looking to gain a lot of attention for myself.  I don't want to be on stage or in the spot light.  I am not very entertaining.  Being on the edge of the crowd is where I much prefer to be.  My network of friends and acquaintances is modest but growing slightly.  It is my hope that I can serve and better those that are in my tribe.  For those who are in my network, I want them to be thankful and blessed that they know me.  For those outside of my network, I want them to wish they were in.  The numbers of people paying slight attention to my life may not be great but I hope to be of some help to them.

How can I best serve you?

Mowing the lawn in North Carolina

Over the weekend, we drove out to North Carolina.  There were a number of things in our house that we needed to bring to a relative out here.  It was a two night, three day trip for us.  On the way we were able to see my sisters family for a short time Friday night.  As we drove east we enjoyed the mountains and trees in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia.  It was a nice drive as the highway system is built quite well in this country and we were able to talk about what we were seeing and experiencing.

Monday is the only full day that we will be here.  We are not looking to be entertained but instead are here to help.  The tasks that fell to me were taking the garbage to the landfill and after that to mow the lawn.  I really enjoyed mowing the lawn.  Sure, it was hot and I was sweating gallons but I was glad to help anyway I could.  When mowing, my mind goes to how I could experience this sense of enjoyment all the time.  Maybe I just need to start a lawn mowing business, go door to door, and offer to mow people's lawns.  It seems so simple but I have never gone door to door to ask for business.  I would like to have this sense of accomplishment and satisfaction all the time though.  Maybe we need to move here and start a company to service people's homes as I think the heat keeps people indoors whereas I actually like it.

Water

Water is something I enjoy being around and I don't think I have realized just how much I have valued it.  Some of my best memories in my formative years involved water.  I remember that every summer camp I went to was on a lake and I remember swimming and playing in the water.  I took swimming lessons at the YMCA throughout the years.  Many of my vacation destinations have involved water.  Bodies of water are points on the map that I want to see and explore.  Water is very comforting and relaxing to me.  It is refreshing and cleansing.  It feels right.  It provides just enough resistance in play and for exercise.  In my life, I hope to involve more and more water.

I grew up with a large track of farm land both in the front of our house across the street and in back of our property.  I did not grow up on a lake or near water.  I do not recall any friends who had homes next to water.  As a result, I have been assuming all this time that having a large amount of acreage would be satisfying because I like to have control and manage how a property looks.  Now, I am not so sure that is really my dream.  I think being on, in, and around water is more satisfying and more accurate with my true desires.

Do you enjoy water?  How have you been able to spend more time in and around water?

People I like to be around

It is so much easier to be around people that I like and admire.  Work and activities become easier due to trust.  I like people who have a well-kept appearance.  Who bathe and dress modestly.  I like people who speak intelligently and seek to use their words to lift others up.  I like people who try and put forth an effort but who also know when to cap it and leave good enough alone.  I like people who have a "can do" attitude.  I like people who value time with their families but are also looking to broaden their network.  I like people who value their health so much that they say "yes" to exercise and "no" to poisons.  I like people who have a hope that tomorrow is going to be better than today and that they can do something about it.  I like people who share and include others.  I like people who ask good questions and who are understanding.  I like people who can keep it all in perspective.  I like people who can provide insight into life.  I like people who speak the truth.  I like people who are themselves.  I like people who judge a man by his character.  I like people who I can trust.  I like people who are good examples on how to live.

Who do you like to be around?

I care about...

I care about my health.  I care about my family.  I care about God's church's.  I care about the environment.  I care about doing the right thing.  I care about order and efficiency.  I care about personal growth and spiritual growth.  I care about what I say.  I care about words.  I care about freedom.  I care about good stewardship.  I care about kindness.  I care about being my best.  I care about my finances.  I care about keeping things quiet.  I care about technology.  I care about being out of the spotlight.  I care about privacy.  I care about connections.  I care about learning.  I care about honesty.  I care about keeping open spaces open and free of development.  I care about nutritious and delicious food.  I care about lasting long-term relationships.  I care about meeting new people.  I care about following the law.  I care about clean water.  I care about trees.  I care about the needs of orphans and widows.  I care about my conscience.  I care about feeding my mind good and wholesome things.

What do you care about?