I missed you. I really did. But I would not admit it and actually explained my lack of new blog articles by repeatedly saying it was because the number of readers was increasing, and I was receiving contacts from the AKGS Blog, and I was not prepared for that. I have never been comfortable with getting attention even though I seem to spend a fair amount of time trying to be a “character” so I will be remembered. Seems like a contradiction and it is, but it is part of my life.

So, here I am writing an article for the AKGS Blog and hoping, honestly, that those that were reading it will do so again and that we may find new readers who will enjoy this General Store of topics that are meant to be entertaining and a positive addition to the readers’ lives. I have promised to not be political and also to be biased towards what I see as the GOOD PEOPLE and GOOD THINGS that enter into my experience as an adult who grew up in a General Store in Wadena, Iowa and has never been even a bit sorry as I believe it gave me a unique background for a very good life SO FAR.

I have a favorite quote that I once used to describe how I viewed where I was in my life. It was from a talk I heard in person at a very large gathering of investment professionals. The speaker ended his presentation by playing a grand piano and singing “The Rose” and there was not a dry eye in the entire audience. Someday I will try to make the talk available through AKGS but for now I just want to share the quote that has stayed with me for 25+ years.

The memory I have is this: he said, “I am in the fourth quarter of my game of LIFE, and I am down 10 points with just a few minutes left and I am not going to win. But I am not sad because I have played my best even though I have never been the MVP of any game or tournament. But I try and my coaches, teammates and family all KNOW THAT I TRY MY VERY BEST. That is how I play basketball and how I live my life – and I will leave this game satisfied that I did my best – with thanks to God for giving me this time and looking forward to His promised overtime.”

A few months ago, I decided to live my days on the bench. Fear, worry, uncertainty, lack of purpose, and whatever I could blame – that is what I said was putting me there. My wife and a very helpful counselor said I had decided to be IDLE. Hmm. True Story. So here I am, off the bench and at my desk. Are you ready for some new bunny trails!