Author Archives: Jim Gleason

I have always had trouble with the words I use in speech. I am an introvert and do not have strong social skills, making me feel awkward in social situations. So the words I say come out awkwardly and often don’t represent my real intentions. I wonder if many people have the same difficulty. InContinue reading “Meaning What I Say”

Life can throw me for loops sometimes. The unexpected seems to be the norm. Every time I think I know what’s coming up next, I am surprised by something different. Two years ago I had brain surgery. A tumor showed up on an MRI taken for a completely separate concern. Three days later I wasContinue reading “Finish Line”

In my house there are some things that I treat carefully and honor, like my computer tablet. I also have some things that I do not honor or take good care of, like most of my clothes. What makes the difference between the things that I honor and the things that I don’t? It hasContinue reading “Honorable Vessels”

I love watching small children play and interact. Don’t you? I love the wonder and unabashed joy in their faces over the smallest thing. When they discover something new, their excitement can reach the heavens. Of course, there are the other aspects of childhood that are not so attractive. Children are often selfish and self-centered.Continue reading “Childish Things”

At various times in my life I have taken physical training seriously, at least for someone with limited athletic abilities. In my forties I was into jogging. I trained for a number of 5K and 10K races. Eventually I trained for and ran a half marathon. Now I am an avid walker, walking over 10Continue reading “Training in Godliness”

You have probably heard the expression that “It takes a village to raise a child”. In many parts of the world, this saying is true and taken seriously. Every village adult cares for, leads, teaches and disciplines every child. As the child grows he/she learns the community’s values and beliefs. He/she learns their role withinContinue reading “It Takes a Village”

When I was younger I thought that I would die in my fifties. This idea was not just morbid or negative thinking. Both my father and his father died at 50 years old. So I thought that this was also my destiny. I am now 71 years old. What made the difference in my longevityContinue reading “My Crowns”

I think we all try to predict the future, at least for our own future. I do this almost subconsciously. No matter what I am doing, I have a picture of the outcome in my mind. The problem is that I am rarely completely accurate. My expectations are far from reality. We all do somethingContinue reading “Predicting the Future”

After every NFL touchdown you can count on a dramatic, choreographed celebration. The purpose is to draw attention to themselves and their achievement. I am glad to see that some players include their teammates in the celebration, because they could not have scored a touchdown without help. Most of these players will tell you thatContinue reading “Overblown Celebrations”

Generally I am a very practical person. Most times I do not purchase things that I do not need. However, sometimes a shiny new object captures my attention and I just have to have it. While it brings a temporary joy, it doesn’t endure nor satisfy. I am old enough now that I have seenContinue reading “How Much Is Enough?”