mckinleysthoughts: Going the Distance

Today, three words inspired me: “Going the Distance.”

When I retired from the military after 30 years in 2004, I received an autographed picture of my favorite Country Music Singer, Toby Keith.

Unfortunately, he finished his race last Monday, February 5, 2024.

May he rest in peace.

Toby Keith Cause of Death: Stomach Cancer Symptoms, Causes And More (today.com)

My question is, what round, quarter, or time in your life are you in?

I realize that might not mean much to some of you; however, let me add more context to my question.

This past weekend, while visiting the city of New Orleans for Mardi Gras, I thought about all the people going great distances to assemble for the various parades and events. I witnessed people from different parts of the United States.

Then, before the 0700 AM Mass on Sunday morning, I attended St. Rose de Lima Catholic Church in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. I met two people interested in where I was from, not being a local parishioner there.

What you don’t know is that for over 38 years, I have, in some shape, form, or fashion visited St. Rose de Lima Catholic Church in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, multiple times with my wife. My wife was the last class to graduate when the church had a school associated with it.

Nonetheless, ironically, my wife decided not to make the trip this weekend, and I had promised after Mass in the morning that I would return home.

Through the conversations, they knew my wife and her older brother, who attended St. Rose de Lima Catholic School.

Immediately, I thought about a person preparing to go the distance. You and I, for the most part, probably have a favorite sport or activity we like to play, which requires us to go the distance in preparation.

Therefore, I also see it as going the distance as it relates to how well we have lived. Can we now do what we used to, and what preparation is required to continue these things?

Not knowing the two people I met, I gave them clues about who I was associated with as my weak ties became strong ties connecting my wife’s family with them. Both of the people I met went to the same school with my wife and knew her late brother, who passed away years ago.

I always find it interesting to see the six degrees of separation between the people I meet and their connections with me.

My question to you this morning is, when people start connecting the dots in your life, what might they say about you? How far have you gone in making a difference in someone’s life? How far back will they reach as they remember you, negative or positive?

We only have a specific amount of time on this earth, so why not make a difference while we can? I’m also aware that each person has a resolve to do certain things or not in life.

As I walked away from the people I met over the weekend, I wondered if my weak ties that started the conversation became strong ties.

When someone calls your name today, how well will they remember you going the distance, or are you already knocked down?

What history are you making for yourself?

There is something about achieving dreams and making history, like last night’s Super Bowl for those in attendance.

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/going-the-distance/