You Just Never Know

(Perdido Beach Resort, AL) It was a long way to drive to go to a wedding but I got to this one just in time. Damon and Laura from Tuscaloosa got married on the beach here as the sun was getting ready to set. It seems some folks had a misunderstanding as to where the wedding was to take place. So a couple of parents and the minister were running a little late. I told Laura that I could knock it out for them if she would like. She smiled and for a split second I thought she was going to take me up on my offer. But the minister and the rest of the wedding party showed up just as she was considering my offer. I didn’t hang around for the ceremony. I did give them my best wishes for a happy life before I left.


Actually I am here to speak to the Financial Management Conference of the Alabama College Presidents Association. And I’m typing this blog with an unbelievable view overlooking the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico. Most of the time my view is not this elaborate. But today is different. Last night it was the sound of rain on the rooftop in Warner Robins, GA. Today the beach is in full view. Not bad for a blogging undertaker.

All YOU had to do was click on this site and scroll down and read. I had to drive 365 miles on a Sunday afternoon to get here. Although I spoke here before a few years ago I wasn’t sure exactly how to get here. So I put the address in on my Tom-Tom (GPS device) and headed this way. The exact address for this resort was not available so I put in an address that was one number off the address. I figured that would get me next door. I was wrong. I was doing fine until we started getting close and the Tom-Tom directed me off the main highway. I thought it was taking me on a short cut. I ended up in a rundown neighborhood. It’s a wonder I wasn’t arrested. My late model car didn’t fit well with the other cars in this particular neighborhood. I had to turn around in a driveway of a mobile home and I got the strange idea the neighbors thought they were about to make a major drug sale. I got out of there as quickly as possible and ended up having to get directions the old timey way. I asked a friendly fire-fighter. The lesson here is you cannot depend on modern technology for everything.

My wife had planned on joining me on this trip but due to some unforeseen circumstances she could not make it. So I am here with me, myself and I. But I promise I will make the best out of my situation at the Gulf of Mexico. And you make the best out of your situation wherever you are and whatever you happen to be doing.

Have a great week and remember to take time to smell the roses along the way (or the salt water). You only get one shot at this life and one shot at this week and one shot at today. Make it the best. If you are not careful you will be so busy you will miss life’s greatest pleasures.

If I had known I was going to stumble up on a wedding today I would have worn something besides shorts and a tee shirt.

You never know what a day will bring. You just never know.