I enjoy meeting new people all the time. It's always exciting (for me) to learn of them, their lives, their occupations and what's really important (personally) to them. Hence, I met this gentlemen and immediately recognized this vibe about him that was so infectious that I had to meet him. I approached him and said "Eh, howzit! How you doin?" He in reply said with a big smile, "I'm alright man!"
While waiting line to order, we began to share things with each other about ourselves. First of course was our names. His name was GREG BROWN, retired Military Colonel. Greg, although retired, wasn't done with
living just yet. Greg went on to entertain me with some of his stories and I, with some of my stories. We both listened to each other intently and we also laughed a lot about the "good ol' days!"
As our conversation was about to unwind, I asked Greg this question, "What is most important to you?" He simply replied and without a flinch he said, "family." His family was number one! I immediately developed a higher respect for him because most conversations like these end up about making money, giving their kids the best education possible and having all the accolades one could muster up so they could one day hang it up on their million dollar home hallway one day.
As impressed as I was to learn about his core values, I asked Greg his occupation if he didn't mind sharing. "Of course," and with that big ol' smile of his he said, "I'm a chaplain for the Air Force." Greg went on to also say that he lived 17 years of his life right here in Mililani. Greg then shared that he has a wife, children and grandchildren. His biggest concern for his kids and for his grandchildren were their safety and overall well being. Our conversation was much longer, but this was the gist of it.
My takeaway from this gentlemen was; no matter how successful you become, all the power you have, all the accolades that you can wear on your sleeve and the rest of your memorabilia that you have planned to hang up in your office, mean nothing without family.
yours in Christ,
tony