Changing Plans

Well, I had great plans for today. But the weather is not cooperating. Can't work outdoors, so maybe I'll clean up the garage --- again! No remorse because I can't control the weather. This happens to us in families all the time --- plans that must be changed. There are two things that must be done when plans must change. First, be flexible. Be ready to do something else. I know there are non-spontaneous folks out there, but in these situations not having a plan when the plan fails is not a big deal. Do something else and involve everyone (if possible) who were to be involved in the first place. But sometimes a new plan is not possible. Then Second, plan a "make up day" just like "snow days" when school hours must be made up on another day. Consider that the "make up day" is required because the family event, plan, could not happen and therefore relationships were not enhanced. If it was a picnic, choose the day when it will be made up. Mark it with a red circle. Put a note on the refrigerator door. Create a count down to the make up day. You'll have rescued the lost day, event, or special time.

Family Life Complexities

It is easy to "say" that family matters most, but life is complicated. I had too many things to do that could not get done on one day. After the labor was done it is followed, after dinner, with paperwork that also cannot be postponed or avoided. Life seems to be like that. As it turns out, however, the big challenge is how we think (as a person thinks so is he) about those pressures. THe more I believe the pressures are destroying my familoy experiences the more they do so. Not that ignoring the impact means there won't be any, but the additional pressure that our concern puts on us is not helpful either to getting tasks done or engaging our families. One way to chip away at that pressure is to take a break from the work to engage family members, however briefly. That joy and warmth will decrease pressure and increase family contact and enjoyment. We accomplish two things at once. Try it the next time you are pressured by tasks and are missing out on great family enrichment.

First Stop of 2009

I'm on my way to Ft Campbell, KY. Even after 26 yrs in the Army, I've never been to Ft Campbell. I know the "Screamin' Eagles" are there, the 101st Airborne! Hooah! I'll let you know.

Dr. Bill De Leo's Musings

There is a lot to experience and learn in our world. I have been one of those folks who just had to see what was around the next corner. AFTER a career as an Army Chaplain, as the Executive Director of a Counseling Region, as a university professor, traveling the world assisting military families with their struggles, adjustments, and challenges was more down my alley. So, I've begun this adventure of traveling the world to do just that. Stop in often and see what's going on and let me know what you think; maybe even what you want me to tell folks. You know, from your heart to theirs. Until then, Grace Above All.