Passion?

Can you have a passion for more than one thing at a time?  I most certainly do and depending on the time of day have a comparable intensity for each passion one right after another or even at random spaces throughout the day.  I am talking about the life cycle today that is very different from the life cycle from 30 years ago.  As a young man, I had multiple passions but I also had the luxury to take them out and “play” with them one at a time because of the implied silo effect that was a norm. 

As a man in my 20s I was able to have time for my “work” passion.  Yes, I do have a passion for work it is fun, challenging and always help pave the way for some of my other passions with the companion paycheck that goes with work.  I had special time for my “family” passion.  I had specific and special time with my family that included coaching, camping, picnics and just time together as we had our evening meal.  I had special time for my “hobby” passion.  I found specific time for hunting, biking, working out, all scheduled for some “me” time.  I have always had special time for my “spiritual” passion. 

As a man in my 50s I still have multiple passions, they just do not have specific and set apart times from my other passions.  As life, responsibility and technology have all matured the separate parts of my life have become more intertwined with each other.  It is not uncommon for my moments throughout the day to be filled with one passion on top of another, for instance, this morning, I threw my leg over the saddle of my Harley Davidson motorcycle, outfitted in dress slacks, tie and sport jacket, finishing a text to a close family member and praying for a safe journey to work.  To be clear, I did not start my motorcycle until I had my helmet on, my text was complete, phone was safely tucked away and my prayer completed. 

Interestingly, the tangled pieces of this scenario are somehow very NORMAL for me some 30 years later.  I have finally introduced my biker self to my president/CEO self.  I am using technology to keep in touch with my family who are scattered throughout the United States, to make dates for my wife and I and even have 3 versions of the Bible on my iPhone.  The values are not very different today than in the 70s but I do like having access to all of my passions at the same time! 

What are your passions?  Are they different from 10-30 years ago?  Do you like your life today?  Have you found a new passion at 50? And for those who ask why do you ride that motorcycle?  The answer is simple……..”If you have to ask…..you wouldn’t understand!”

Be passionate about SOMETHING!  Life is short, live EACH DAY to the fullest!  Serve one another and “know what you know for sure!”

Blessings to each!

Phil

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If nothing else this past week reminded us that God is indeed in control and we are all within His will.  We had a little taste of what our brothers to the far north experience each and every winter without fail.  I am talking about cold, icy winter weather and Slick Roads that bring a hustling, bustling place like the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex to a virtual stand-still. 

Was it the fact that we had rain that turned to ice before it was covered with a beautiful blanket of fluffy white snow?  Was it the fact that the road and bridge employees do not have sufficient resources or proper equipment to ensure that our roads are clear?  Was it the fact that sometimes bad weather happens regardless of where you live?

Several questions left unanswered, at least to the satisfaction of all affected.  There was some this past week that were able to avoid the Slick Roads due to cancelation of classes for universities and schools.  There were closings of churches, government offices and businesses of all sorts because of Slick Roads.  At Christian Care Centers we were not exempt from the weather but we were reminded that we have more at stake than some.  In our ministry, our residents depend on us 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to provide levels of care and services that help ensure a safe, effective environment is maintained at all times.  Slick Roads are a real hazard to all who journey along the path.  They are a real and present danger to those who make the decision that their presence in the ministry is critical to another person’s well-being.

The brave and dedicated staff at Christian Care Centers’ three campuses met the challenge this past week.  Some left home 2-hours earlier than their shift to travel the Slick Roads because “their presence was needed!”  There were others who spent the days shoveling and placing ice-melt on our streets and sidewalks to eliminate the Slick Roads within our own campuses.  There were those who traveled many miles of Slick Roads to pick up co-workers.  There were those who would come and prepare food, clean buildings, answer phones, administrate and render nursing care both as Certified Nurse Assistants and Clinical Professional Nurses. 

Slick Roads were prevalent in our world this past week but with the dedication of many folks with cold hands and VERY WARM HEARTS we traveled the Slick Roads to do God’s work for those who have entrusted their care and safety to us!  I lift a heartfelt thanks to all of the Christian Care Center Snow Angels!  

If you know anyone who works for Christian Care Centers, please show them your warm heart by sharing a kind word of thanks for their selfless acts of love.

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In a distant past, I was the new kid on the block, the administrator, the “head honcho”, the one responsible for all of my staff’s actions, both good and bad.  The laws in long-term care hold the licensed administrator responsible for everything that happens under his leadership, 24 hours a day/7days a week.  Can you imagine the feeling that regardless of your involvement, your awareness, or even your knowledge, you are responsible?  Well, that is the life of every licensed nursing home administrator in America.  My success was dependent on the actions of the 150 staff members that were part of my team.

As a newcomer, I was aware that my staff knew my name but that I did not know their names.  Walking the halls each day, I saw a sea of faces attached to bodies, moving in unison to perform tasks designed to give care to our residents.  My challenge was to be able to see them as individuals who chose a noble profession that serves a most precious asset: Our residents are individuals who are in the late stage of life and who find themselves almost totally dependent on the kindness of others.  Wow!  How does one grasp the reality and rise to the challenge at the same time?

My idea was quite simple and silly, but over time it worked well. My goal was to have a more personal relationship with my staff.  In order to have a non-threatening reason to be in the building, I took an old canvas tote, poured a bag of “penny candy” into it, and threw it over my shoulder.  As I approached each staff member, I would smile and say “Happy Tuesday!”  (Tuesday happened to be the day of the week, and happy seemed to be a good word to use.)  After the greeting, I promptly presented the bag and opened it for the person to see inside.  At first, reactions were cautious and guarded, but the end result was always a smile when a piece of candy was retrieved. Most often the words thank you were expressed.  During those brief moments, I had the opportunity to look at each staff member’s name tag.  I would then call each person by name and say, “You are welcome!”

Over time, this practice helped me to learn not only names but also bits of information about staff members’ daily work life and families.  The mood did not always hit me on Tuesdays, so I took liberties to use “Happy Monday!” or Happy Thursday!”  The day did not matter, but the smile and opportunity to share a piece of sweetness and a kind word were so powerful.  Regardless of status in the hierarchy of the company, each person’s reaction was almost identical, teaching me that kindness and sharing usually reap a great harvest of bounty that includes conversation and smiles. I also learned that, ultimately, great care is paid forward to those precious souls that we serve.

So today, it is “Happy Friday!”  My prayer for you is that your day be blessed beyond measure as you seek the little things that motivate each other to greatness.  Reach in, take a piece for yourself, and pay it forward!

Phil Elmore

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Well, it is November 6th, a Saturday and only 37 days after my original deadline! In the life of a procrastinator, that is not too bad! After all, blogging has never been part of my world, but my able bodied V.P. Marketing has assured me that “ALL” senior executives are or will be blogging as part of their daily routine. I told her that I did not have words that people wanted to read, but in the spirit of cooperation, I am giving it the “old college try!”

Are there others out there who procrastinate? If so, can you explain why we put things off? Are we scared? Are we lazy? Well, if you are like me, you can answer these questions LATER!

There are, however, different types of procrastination that I offer you to ponder:

1. “Someday, Honey.” – This task is most certainly low on my priority, but actual performance is determined by the importance given to that task by my wife. The higher on her list, the more pressure to perform. Thus, the shorter the procrastination.
2. “When I am Ready.” – This task is one that takes my time and complete concentration. Finding the right combination of time and concentration is a major factor. However, when they come together, the task is a done deal!
3. “I’ll Look Into It.” – This task is one that is avoided because it usually has some challenges attached. It could be a squeaky noise in the car, an observation by a family member, or an unfamiliar subject. I have found, however, that, when I actually get around to “looking into it,” the unknown is so much worse than the known.

These are but a few thoughts, the rest will have to WAIT!

I would appreciate any feedback from you – words of encouragement, words of wisdom – or for the rest of you, who I know will, “Look into it, someday Honey, when you are ready!”

Blessings to each of you. Remember each day you are given life and breath to serve one another. Don’t put off to tomorrow a smile or kind gesture that will most certainly make a difference in someone’s life…….TODAY!

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