stories shared and lessons learned
Just before my 50th birthday I told my wife Pam that I wanted to try to run a 5K. I had never been a runner, so 3.1 miles sounded like quite a challenge. The following Sunday our pastor announced that we would be supporting a mission to help provide people clean water in impoverished around the world. To do so, we would join Team World Vision in running either a half or full marathon. Pam gently elbowed me and said “You should try that half marathon thing”.
Now I have always loved missions, but 13.1 miles is just slightly more than the daunting 3.1 miles of a 5K. Although a bit reluctant, I said “Yes”.
Fast forward to today and I have now logged 100’s of miles on the running trails. I have had a chance to run in places like Canada, Mt Hood Oregon, Utah, Washington, Indiana, Florida, Michigan, and so many more beautiful places. Some of the most amazing experiences however, have been the conversations with friends, new and old, along the trails.
It’s these conversations that reminded me that stories can bring encouragement, laughter, tears, guidance, clarity and so much, but only when we share them.
Hope you enjoy a few of mine. - Rusty
Stinky Skunk
“Tell me a story about a stinky skunk” is a frequent request from our 3-year-old granddaughter, Bristol.
Just Keep Going: A Powerful Lesson from my 5 year old
The smoke had become so thick I couldn’t see the road in front of us.
Lessons from a Goldfish: Owning Up to Mistakes
Since most of us did not lock our doors back then, I let myself in to check on my little gold friends.
Is 'Hurry Sickness' Holding You Back? Recognizing the Signs and Finding Balance
Do any of these signs resonate with you? There are definitely “a few” that I’m still working on.
Snowed In, Saved by Kindness: 5 Life Lessons from a Neighbor’s Act of Service
These lessons remind all of us that acts of service, no matter how small, can leave an Eternal Impact when done with intention and heart.
Donuts: $3.25 “Fish store”: Priceless
As we were leaving the donut shop, she asked, “Can we go to the fish store?”
How I’m Using the SUPER Method to Create More Meaningful Customer Connections
It may feel like a tall order, but every day we can make someone else’s day through the way we serve them.
The weather was perfect for this year's Kansas City Marathon. Unfortunately, I was not!
Don’t let the exuberance of the photo fool you.
Ever hired the wrong "employee" to save a few bucks? I did.
Here's what I learned from Bert and Ernie (yes, that's what we named them)
I almost Missed It!
It really was an amazing trip. And I would have missed it if I didn’t face my fears.
Smile! You’re On Camera!
That's what our 3-year-old granddaughter Bristol shouts every time we pass the gated farm field up the road from our house.
There is a natural human desire to be known
It’s amazing how many ways people can spell my first name.
25 years ago, my work-life balance was nonexistent
Long hours at the office meant missing out on special family moments.
“If you want to go fast. go alone, if you want to go far, go together.”
When we come together with a shared mission, vision and values, the improbable becomes possible
Vulnerability can be inviting others to join you on the journey
An amazing example of leading well through vulnerability.
Built in 1860, our old house is far from perfect.
Just like an old house, our imperfections can become opportunities over time—it's called character!
Muddy patches are where the real impact happens.
Our clients often come to us feeling “stuck in the mud."
“CEO should actually stand for Chief ENCOURAGEMENT Officer.”
“Encourage” is one of five words I wrote down on a whiteboard to remind me of my own personal mission statement.