March 15

For today's Forward Day by Day readings, Click Here.

I woke up this morning ready to talk about the Yes tool. It lives right next to its brother, No, and can be a very useful device when used properly and thoughtfully. Saying "Yes" to requests or asks for help is so often the right thing to do. But of course we all have to worry about using Yes TOO much. That can drive a gal or guy to the brink, or at least the drink. So in good doses and when undeniably the right weapon to use, Yes is great little gadget.

Last night, for example, a sweet young lady sent an email out asking people to leave food on their front porches. She's gathering  bags of food for students at her school who don't have food to eat when school's closed. Yes hopped out of the holster and said, "giddyup!!! Let's do this thing!" Easy, do-able, worthy and supportive of an undertaking that is admirable. Thank you Yes.

While I woke up ready to talk and write about Yes, my mind took a detour this morning before carpool. Remember yesterday when we were talking about how all the naughtiness going on in the FOP and Lt. Gov's office could be a lesson of honesty for my children? I called it Life Long Learning. It's a strength and perhaps a tool to put into service. Remember how I got some satisfaction out of saying that we should teach our kids that if they lie or do something illegal, they're GOING to get caught? Well, we had one such conversation on the car ride to school. And I'll just say it wasn't inspired by the front page news.

While that lesson is easy to think about having, it's not simple by any stretch. Lifelong Learner, or the Teacher Tool, comes with lots of emotion and yuck. Learning the lessons of why we don't lie, cheat or act with dishonesty is tough. It's a heavy, heavy tool.

The verse that stuck out to me today was more about Yes than about Lifelong Learner. But now that I look at it again, it resonates for both I think:

Romans 8:28-39: "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose."

Sometimes when using Yes we become part of a greater good, where God fulfills his work and purpose through a group effort. And yes, Lifelong Learner is a hard lesson...but it's for the good for "those who love God."

So, so, so glad it's Friday. Cheers.