Exceptional

Think about a person you truly respect. Think about a leader you admire. What sets that person apart? What makes them exceptional? Chances are they give without expectation of return. They give advice when asked. They give encouragement and affirmation. They give opportunities.

Exceptional folks don't promote themselves. An exceptional leader gives others a sense of meaning. Their success doesn't come from a post of achievements. Their success and happiness come from other's success and happiness.

Exceptional folks move beyond good intentions and discussions. They act. They take a risk and put things in motion. They zig when others are zagging. They are tough and tender at the same time. They selflessly care and dive into another persons life or situation if asked.

Exceptional people give the gift of respect even when others make mistakes. They teach rather than criticize, condemn, and complain. They resist the temptation of going to the dark side and hoping others fall or fail. They refrain from backbiting and pointing out others weaknesses. They stay clear of hearsay and gossip. Exceptional folks stick up for a poor soul that's the subject of a dark conversation.

Well, yesterday we ice fished and raced motorcycles on the same pond at the same time. The bikers said they were waking the fish up. The fishermen said they were chasing them away. :) 

These motorcycles belong to Mark and his son's, Ethan, Elijah, and Anton, and go down in size according to age.

 Karl, Mike, Gideon, and I drove to Webster, SD to pick up a semi we bought on an on-line farm auction. It was -25 degrees in western Iowa early Tuesday morning on our way out. It was +20 degrees late Tuesday evening on our return, a 45 degree warm up.

I am blessed to be able to work with exceptional help. This past week's weather has us working inside after chores getting equipment ready for next spring. 

I am blessed to have exceptional friends. We got together Friday evening for supper and conversation at Wayne and Sue's new home. We grew up together. Our kids grew up together. Now when we get together we talk about grandkids. Wow. How time flies. 

 I am blessed with exceptional children. Last evening they got together and went to Des Moines as a Christmas gift to each other. The dictionaries definition of exceptional is uncommon, unique, extraordinary, above average. I could add many more superlatives to this group.

I am blessed to be married to an exceptional wife. I was in eighth grade and attended a tractor safety course in order to work out for neighbors. Jan was the only girl in that class. Four years later we were introduced by mutual friends at a church softball game. I would be nothing without her. We are looking forward to spending extra time together this coming week. 

I am blessed with exceptional and incredible grandkids. Although I'm not good at remembering their birthdays and often miss their sporting events I pray individually by name for them every morning. Their ages range from 4 months to 16 years. It is truly a gift that they all live in the community. Some of my favorite times are when we spend time together on an individual basis on projects or when Jan babysits. 

I serve an exceptional God who is in charge of my life. It would have been impossible for me growing up to think of or even dream about His plan of my life. Wrapping up the year last Sunday at our church Tiffany, Dan, Deb, Irv and Anne, and Paul all shared testimonies. Thank you so much for that. We shut down work here on Sundays to go to church. To spend time with family and friends. To rest. But mostly to honor and thank God. We remember to thank Him in the good times. We totally lean on Him in the hard times.

Last Monday we started out another new year. Our clean, blank calendars will again fill up with events and happenings. Some of those happenings are planned. Many will be unplanned. Remember to thank God for the exceptional people in your life. Be an exceptional influence in other's lives. Make 2018 and exceptional year.