My grandparents used to tell me, “the older you get, the faster time passes.” While this is not true according to physics, it is true at the spiritual level. I believe that what they were saying is true, not because of a change in the nature of the universe but because I have found that as I have gotten older, the more responsibilities I have gained (college, military service, marriage, children, career, MCMC project J).  These responsibilities have created time constraints that I did not have as a child.

This means that I have less time to do things in a leisurely fashion, and time passes very quickly indeed. I watch my daughters at play sometimes, and I am amazed at where their imagination takes them. I am sure I was like them when I was younger and I wish sometimes that I could “let go” and just have fun. But, we all know that as we get older, time passes quicker and so we continue to push forward with “whatever.” This project is moving forward very rapidly, in spite of our best efforts sometimes to slow things down. It was not that long ago that we gathered in Gulfport to discuss what would eventually become MCMC. We talked about the fact that we were waiting on program guidance and how we would use that document to draft an RFP! That seems like yesterday in some respects! Now we continue to push forward with the implementation of the project at the same time as we look ahead to what will happen next in the recovery effort. We are so busy, and we have so much responsibility, that time truly is getting away from us. However, I hope that in the next couple of weeks you will carve out some time, and some turkey, and reflect on what has been accomplished as a result of all of your hard work. The opportunity of a Holiday for the purpose of giving thanks only happens once a year. I hope that you all will take advantage of that opportunity. Encourage your clients, even in the face of all that they have been through, to do the same. It is healthy for the soul to give thanks. Thanks to all of you, for all that you do!

Blessings,

Stephen