Doing Nothing

An old anonymous story goes like this. A farmer was sitting on the steps of his ramshackle place when a stranger approached, asking for a drink of water. Seeking to make conversation, the stranger asked, “How’s your wheat coming along?”  “Didn’t plant none,” answered...

But I Exaggerate

I have a confession to make. I like to exaggerate. “No!” You may be saying to yourself. “Not you, Mark.” Yeah, I do. I bet I’ve exaggerated over 40 million times during my life.  Oops, I did it again. A lot of my embellishment stems from enthusiasm. I am highly...

When your ability is not recognized

Have you ever known in your heart that you could perform your job well if you were allowed only to have someone with authority impede you? Have you ever believed yourself qualified to do a job and yet frustrated because those who had the power to hire you did not...

Text or Talk?

There is an old story about a woman traveling in Europe who saw a beautiful painting and wanted to buy it. She sent her husband this telegram: “I have found a wonderful painting. Price seventy-five thousand dollars. Agree that I buy it?”  Her husband was...

From Adversity to the Presidency

Monday was Presidents’ Day. When I think about those who have served as our nation’s presidents, I am struck by how many faced tremendous adversity, misfortune, and harsh conditions.  George Washington lost his father when he was ten. His half-brother Lawrence became...