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Eugene, Oregon

Had lunch at the Starbuck’s on 13th Avenue at the opposite corner of “O”- The Duck Store.

Eugene, Oregon, besides being home to the University of Oregon, is also known as Track Town USA.

After lunch and a quick visit to the bookstore for a “Stop Pre” t-shirt, it was off to Hayward Field.

As soon as I stepped onto the track, a siren blared from the firehouse across the street. When my son and I hear a siren, without fail, we say a prayer for the driver, the helpers, and the family or families that are involved.

It was then the realization became conscious, I hadn’t started the day, in my hotel room, on my knees. Right there on the spot, I got down on my knees (in Lane 8 actually) and said the “morning” prayers.

Funny how a 20-hour travel day can throw you a curve. Funny how just abut anything can throw you a curve. Batter up.

Portland, Oregon

Hello from Portland, Oregon. Arrived very late last night. Spent 20 hours getting here.

Visiting and hoping to find the opportunity later today to visit Eugene, Oregon, home of Hayward Field at the University of Oregon.

Steve Prefontaine, Pre as everyone called him, ran there. If you don’t know anything about Steve Prefontaine, know one thing.

Nike has only made one bronze statue of an athlete. Ever. Period.

Steve Prefontaine.

God blesses every person with some gift. Pre was blessed with courage, but people mistook him as simply a runner.

What If You Did?

What if you started everyday on your knees? And if you don’t have knees, like a few of my friends, use whatever position would be your equivalent.

What would happen to you if you did this every day?

Would it ruin your morning?

Would it be disgustingly inconvenient?

Would you look or feel like a fool?

This begs a question. “Why don’t you start everyday this way? Seriously”.

Can A Haircut Be “Spiritual”?

Got a haircut at Sport Clips yesterday. For 30 years my wife has cut my hair, since we first met at West Chester University. During those college years, she only needed to do it twice a year.

In today’s corporate world, it’s at least once a month. Our lives are like most working families. Fast-paced. Busy. Hectic. Becky, the store manager, and Andrea my stylist, were exceptional.

Andrea and I used to work together at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa as Concierge Cast Members. Becky and I had met at a conference earlier in the year. Small World after all, eh?

They made me feel like a rock star. Isn’t that what great businesses do?

About a month ago, at my last visit, Joy cut my hair. I wrote a blog post about the experience. Becky spoke about that post and the impact it had.

Funny thing, everyday, I think I’m just writing simple blog posts. And everyday, they think they’re simply giving haircuts. Maybe, in both cases, it’s actually much more to the customer than we think.

Believe or Not Believe?

That is the question. Isn’t it? It really comes down to a simple choice.

One or the other.

There is no neutral. Even if you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.

Faith. Love. Hope. God. Jesus.

For others who are still deciding, are you an example or a warning?