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“In good times and in bad.” Every time Becky and I hear those words at weddings, we squeeze hands. Not as a hint about one of us falling short. Instead, as a reminder that both “good” and “bad” really do happen. We recently published a book to help people navigate bad times. Or dark times. Whatever you want to call them. The promise shared across every page: Even in the challenge of a cancer journey, goodness can be found – but only if someone shines a light in the right direction. Here’s what such light looks like, as Becky describes her role as a caregiver (page 105): “David’s needs shifted based on procedures, treatments, good news, rough news, and new challenges. His emotions wobbled. Mine careened as I constantly pushed myself to do something – okay, anything – that could help. He fought the disease; I fought for him. Imperfectly many times, which is perfectly fine. “Please hold tight to that grace-filled truth: Imperfect is perfectly fine.” Our daughter’s wedding took place recently. Nobody noticed, but Becky and I held hands. And squeezed. © Copyright 2023, David Staal, all rights reserved 
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When your eyes meet his/hers across a room and a conversation happens, without a word spoken. When one can look into the other’s eyes and somehow understand the depths of joy or frustration, when to press in or give space, and if celebration is needed – or wounds need tending. The love of your life can change your mood with but a glance. Subconsciously, one craves that glance.
Because then comes a hand reaching for yours. Confirming “together” and affirming the journey continues. Talking about his wife, Bono alluded to ancient wisdom: “Rather than falling in love, we were climbing up toward it. We still are.” © Copyright 2023, David Staal, all rights reserved  Walked snow-covered trails today. Four inches of fresh snow does an amazing job sound-proofing the woods.
Daytime strolls prove exhilarating during winter months. A nighttime walk on the same trail, unlit, feels quite different. Confusing, anxiety-producing, even fearful. Paths offer such contrasting experiences. So many people find themselves on challenging journeys. Whether following a discernible course or not, everyone must navigate life. The luxury of a well-lit path is one few enjoy. Sickness, finances, relationships, accidents, poor decisions – the reasons life can feel dark stack higher than a streetlamp. A flashlight or a phone light will, literally, help navigate a dark walking path. In a figurative sense, though, we can beam something better and brighter to light the way. Grace. For yourself. For others. It’s not a new pathway through life, it’s a way to walk the path you’re already on. Show it, and others will notice. Share it, and others will wonder how. Along the way, the way won’t seem as long. Or dark. Ancient wisdom says: “It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace…” © Copyright 2023, David Staal, all rights reserved  Winter is the season of honesty.
In the dark morning hours before plows arrive, snow-blanketed streets become two-tire trails – thanks to brave early drivers. Follow the grooves and you stay on the road. Insist on making your own way? Better keep a towing service on speed dial and enough spare cash to buy someone a new mailbox. An older friend shared perspective from navigating enough life to wear down a path others can follow: “I’ve learned and grown the most during hard times.” Oh, is there any other way? Maybe reroute around hard seasons? Sure, bypassing winter avoids cold temps that demand attention, the need to drive slower, and the dismal dark of shorter days. Yet, those realities build awareness, patience, and the need for light. Be honest; no shortcuts exist. I grow or I don’t. My light shines or it doesn’t. Follow the grooves. If none appear, make them for others. Prepare to learn a lot. (keep AAA’s number handy) Snow might cover the ground, but winter reveals the truth. Ancient wisdom says: “For everything there is a season.” © Copyright 2022, David Staal, all rights reserved  © Copyright 2022, David Staal, all rights reserved “If everything doesn’t add up, you probably don’t see everything.”
Right? From a nearly invisible virus to the great resignation to the erratic economy, efforts to make sense of it all seem nonsensical. And what about intermittent lower back pain or the difference between an iPhone 13 and 14? None of it adds up. And then there’s the upcoming election – voted the statement most likely to inspire arguments for the next two years. Ugh. If the iPhone comment distracted you, c’mon back. The only thing you missed is people trying to figure out which party I support. Or is it which one I hate? Doesn’t matter. Seriously. Delightfully, several trees defied tradition by going crimson. Others flashed yellow. Outdoor temperatures fell below the shiver point, causing the furnace to roar and claim indoor dominance over the cold. And this morning’s coffee tasted better than usual. Why? Because when everything seems messy, I can still count blessings. When noticed, they add up just fine. Ancient wisdom says: Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. © Copyright 2022, David Staal, all rights reserved “Throw kindness around like confetti” Those words appeared on a door people entered to meet their new leader. Seriously? A colorful thought. Definitely appropriate for Pinterest projects. But to guide a group, it’s rather insignificant direction. Or is it? Ignore kindness and the only person who feels good is the one at the top. Progress might occur, but so will turnover. Esprit de corps will erode. Folks will no longer get along. They might tolerate one another, but who wants to stay in that setting? Society has stopped valuing kindness; look around at the results. It needs a comeback. Prioritize kindness and prepare to accomplish more than anyone can hope for or imagine. My daughter Erin knows that’s true. Every day, in countless ways, she convinces her charges that they can, and should, be kind. The earlier confetti reference appeared on her workplace door. She models it, expects it, and sees it work – every year. She teaches Kindergarten; she shares lessons that transcend age. Ancient wisdom clarifies truly important traits: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  © Copyright 2022, David Staal, all rights reserved
“Let’s live this day well.” Twenty-two years ago, during my cancer battle, Becky and I developed a shorter-term approach to life. When you believe your days are numbered, you determine to make them count. As our young family navigated an uncertain path, we began to live bolder, love stronger, and laugh more. Somehow, life grew complicated and our “this day” focus disappeared. The folder labelled “Someday” grew thick. One day not long ago, someday lost its welcome. We longed to live bolder once again, so we emptied someday into today. I will soon start as part-time team development pastor for the church we attend and love for all the right reasons, and I’ll consult for select nonprofits. This schedule allows generous time to write (finally!). Becky will continue coordinating volunteers for an amazing local outreach agency and will facilitate team training experiences for clients across the country. Together, we will develop parenting workshops. And once again live, love, and laugh like never before. You’re invited, online or in-person; I preach Sunday (July 17) at 9:30 and 11 a.m. https://weareportcity.com/  © Copyright 2022, David Staal, all rights reserved
“Please describe your job in one sentence.” Everyone on the team of 64 received this instruction. As the new leader preparing to meet each person, this assignment enabled individuals to self-articulate what they do versus knowing everyone by their job titles. The team embraced the challenge; all showed up with a handcrafted single sentence. One description stood out from the other 63. Almost two decades later, it remains easy to recall: I write. Marta, a talented, funny, and oh-so-loveable curriculum writer showcased her serious professional expertise with just two words. Without realizing, she crafted a valuable, evergreen lesson for any communicator. Her ability to share so much through so little inspired a formula worth committing to memory: Brevity = Mastery With equal parts deliberate word choice and desire to communicate well, anyone can write (or speak) like Marta. Doing so requires investing big effort, but not doing so costs more. In a world where anyone can write or say anything at any time, and too many do, Ancient Wisdom hints to a better way: Let your words be few.  © Copyright 2022, David Staal, all rights reserved
©Copyright 2022, David Staal, all rights reserved
Many want to right wrongs; few want to write wrong. In a conversation with my editor, our discussion focused on the undervalued, yet priceless role editing plays. In writing, for sure -- but also in life. Editors read an author’s words and apply expert scrutiny, a process at its best when brutal. Then a corrected version returns to the writer who now faces a choice: Make the changes or ignore them. Personal experience has proven that revisions carry immense value and, therefore, deserve strong consideration. Writers do their best work when they trust their editors to share the truth about what must improve, even when the feedback feels lousy. A similar dynamic happens whenever willingness for scrutiny exists. A board chair once shared advice to help sharpen my decision-making: “Listen closely to people who disagree with you. If no one does, invite someone in who will.” She continued: “The best decisions emerge from hearing truth, not from hearing everyone agree.” Ancient wisdom reinforces the ultimate value of who and what you believe: “…the truth will set you free.”  ©Copyright 2021, David Staal, all rights reserved
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AuthorDavid Staal writes, speaks, consults, and has filled a career with executive and leadership positions Blogs/Articles |
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