Joe's Run

When I was a kid (that was yesterday!), my cousin, Mary and I would traipse for hours a creek called Joe's Run.  Joe's Run ran for miles to different parts of Zanesville, my hometown. One section ran through the golf course; one part had some deeper water and a falls; the furthest end ultimately emptied into the Muskingum River. That river ran through town joined the Licking River, finally connecting to the Ohio River at Marietta, Ohio.

This journey took quite awhile but think about it, how the Ohio joins the Mississippi as it then goes to the Gulf of Mexico!! (Please don't correct me here. I choose what I said). It hit me that if a small creek or stream has this much potential with a bigger body of water, then how much are each of us indivuals part of a much larger reality.

I can tell personal experiences of speaking up or having personal conversations with those in authority helped, from chairman of a board, pastors, department heads or those who were the leaders. Of course, it pays to be calm and have correct facts, not just emotions. Looking back over my lifetime I have talked with many.

Yes, it can be frightening, however, I also pray and ask for guidance, a calm demeanor and the right words. Sticking to principals, not tearing down personalities is paramount. 

For me, sometimes I felt like I was "arm wrestling" with God because some of those times I surely didn't want to approach those individuals, but felt a much deeper push to do it. And I could have lost my job!! 

One thing, I didn't have expectations that the other side do it my way, but simply knew I had to honor what my God was asking of me! It has always brought me peace!!

Looking back over many of my own "Joe's Run" experiences, I now can see how they joined a much larger picture so if ever you think your words, example and actions are insignificant, think of Joe's Run and how that small, insignificant stream eventally joins the Ohio River.We all know how great that river is!! Always know we are part of a much bigger world!

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