1. The grace is found in between all the things that you think matter but really don’t.

2. When I wrote my dissertation, I dedicated it to my family, the cats (but not the turtle), and God – whom I described as the Master Strategist and Tactician.  Strategy, among many qualities, is in huge part about creating a better position from weaker components.  I had to do this so much – so many cracked and broken pieces – but God is truly the Master.  To be able to piece together all the parts- not just as new but better.

3. Many years ago, a former student said the following – “God’s love is bigger than our lies.”  Struck, I asked her what she meant.  She said she didn’t know but it sounded true.  I have long reflected on what she said and I think it is one of the most profound things I’ve heard.  Would be a great song lyric.

4. At the Minnesota Pearl Jam concert, they closed with Purple Rain – an unexpected and fitting tribute to Prince in his hometown.  The crowd went wild.  One of my daughter’s childhood stuffed animals is a purple bear – aptly named Purple Bear.  I used to sing to her “Purple Bear, Purple Bear, I only want to see you laughing with the Purple Bear.”  When Prince died, someone said that all his songs were either foreplay or a prayer.  One of the greatest musicians and guitar players of all time.

5. “A man who conquers himself is greater than one who conquers a thousand men in battle.” There are several variations of the quote above attributed to others like Plato, Ignatius, and Lao Tzu.  Also one of the most challenging truths out there.  In my early 20s, I worked in a laboratory setting and had some form of this on my bench space.  It is roughly 20 years later and while I’ve made progress, am still working on this.