Memphis Week

Dan and I attended his company’s dealer’s market in Memphis last week. The weather was snowy and icy. Thankfully the hotel and convention center were connected. Once we arrived; we were safe from any inclement weather.  Those who traveled from the Canadian border were amused by our perception of bad weather!



We had a good time visiting with his customers. He is blessed that they are all just really great folks. They are more like friends than business associates. The days were long but the food and entertainment was never in short order. What is Memphis without barbecue, Beale Street and of course, Elvis!  Among the entertainment, was an Elvis impersonator. A former Memphian, I have seen more than one. Some are better than others. None, however, come any where near the original. He was the real deal.



Dan, "Elvis"  and Me



We were reminded by a tremendous motivational speaker that people buy from people, not companies. Integrity, whether personally or professionally is the key to success. The speaker, Kyle Rote, Jr., has walked the talk. He too is the real deal. He was a positive role model for and much admired by my young son.  The bar of ethical, moral and spiritual conviction was set high, but one to aspire to.  I had the privilege of relating to Kyle my appreciation of how he had impacted a young man's life years ago.



Before leaving Memphis, I spent some time with my daughter’s family. It was her birthday week. A visit to the museum was on her list of celebratory activities. There was a history of medicine section. One exhibit displayed early surgical tools. While we were looking at a scalpel and human skull, I asked our four year old grandson Riley if he thought he might go into medicine some day. His reply was emphatic. “I don’t know what I want to be yet but, eeewww, I DON’T want to be a cutter opener!”



Riley at Surgical Exhibit



All of our grandchildren are encouraged that they can do anything they set out to do. It is our prayer they will have the wisdom to understand the value of integrity. Doing what is right doesn't always seem to make us happy at the time. However, in the long run, it is the only thing that brings us lasting joy, success and shelter when the storms of life prevail.







Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.   Philippians 4:8