Fletcher Friday Five

Here are five things that caught my attention this week:

Hat Tip: In one short video, the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, the highest ranking enlisted Marine, gives a master class in culture and leadership. His message to Marines on suicide is clear and direct. “It comes for all of us,” “No wrong door for help.” “Strength isn’t staying silent.” Well done.

Rest in Peace: My wife’s stepdad passed away last week after a long fight with dementia. It is a brutal disease. If you are just starting down this path with a loved one there are some good resources here. This book is great as well. If you’ve walked that road with someone you love, you know how hard it can be. We were grateful for the time we had with him. My wife wrote a beautiful tribute to Mike here.

Unsolicited advice: I was talking with a friend who is in the thick of parenting teenagers. I once received a piece of advice that stuck with me. “It is your job to love your kids. It is not your kids’ job to love you”. That means you love them through the hard seasons. Even when they are difficult. Even when it’s hard. Even when they push away. You just never stop loving them. Trust that it will come back around.

Picture of the Week: I really love clouds. I know it is strange, but I do. They are all different and the same one changes as you watch it. Our kids send me pictures of clouds and it makes me happy:) This one is a pyrocumulus cloud formed by extreme heat from a wildfire in Northern California. The rising smoke and moisture create a vertical storm column. Fire turning into weather. So cool!

Quote I’m Considering: “Few things help an individual more than to place responsibility upon him, and to let him know that you trust him.” Booker T. Washington

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Have a great weekend!

Best,

Nathan