John Paul Strong

Next Chapter

Blue tinted image of turning pages of a blank book with copy space.

I am sure the sun came up today, despite the drizzly rain falling outside.  And as this day unfolds, life will move on no matter what the weather or other circumstances.  To me, each day is the next chapter of my life, with the title often to be determined by the choices I make, ready or not.

Top of mind this morning is the Presidential election.  I think back on all these events experienced in my years, and no matter the outcome, whether it was a bitter battle down to the wire or a clear-cut victory, life went on.  For our country, we hope and pray for the best, always have, and always should.  The next chapter will be what it is, just like all the chapters already titled, like Off to School or Cool Kid or First Job or Start Business,  and the best chapter for me…Love & Marriage & Family.

All those chapters had their ups and downs, and whether it was dumb luck or providence, here I am today.   To paraphrase C.S. Lewis:  Getting through this life is like crossing monkey bars…only when you let go and reach out for the next bar, can you move forward.  Remember that moment at the playground?  I might fall, I might get hurt, I don’t want my buddies to laugh at me – but you made that choice to move on,  and never looked back.

It’s the choices we make that set the stage for the next chapter.  I have often said to my clients, ‘Hope is not a plan!’  The meetings I have today, the time I spend with my employees, the treasured time I spend with my wife and children, and the outcome of this election – for all of these I do hope for the best, I have put in the work to handle what I can, but I know from experience, everything will be what it is.

When was the last time you experienced something for the first time?

No matter what, handle it and make this next chapter one of the best.

God Bless America!