Opinion

People generally want to know that the job they are performing in order to earn a living, where they spend the bulk of the hours in their day, has purpose and meaning. They want to know that their work makes a difference.

It’s been more than 80 years now, but the date continues to live in infamy. Just before 8 a.m.

It takes a special person to work in a public service career. Public service professionals serve their community in immeasurable ways by offering social services, educating children, protecting the welfare of others and promoting public health. For this reason, I have never understood why the salaries of public servants are often much less than the salaries of other professions. It’s a sad state of affairs when occupations such as professional athletes earn unfathomable amounts of money in the form of a salary. I’m of the mindset that if you want insight into what a business, society, family or employer does value, just follow where money is spent. If this is true, society has proved over time that professions such as police officers, EMTs, teachers, first responders and social workers are not truly appreciated. At the root of being valued is respect.

On balance, it’s been a disappointing season for the University of Arkansas football team, capped by a frustrating loss last Friday in Columbia, Mo., to a Mizzou team that the Razorbacks should have beaten.

In these days of stress and strife, there are many things that people disagree on, but there is one thing we all agree on, and that is we all want to be happy. Even the grumpiest of people long to feel happiness. It’s something you can’t chase but I believe there is a sort of formula.

Sometimes, life gets hectic and it can seem as if there’s never enough time to get everything done that needs doing, much less time to pause and reflect. But this week is all about reflecting.

On the quest to raising good humans, I realize that most people tend to use the holidays as a teachable time for kids. We encourage the need to do good for others who might have less than we do as we donate food, toys, money and help in our communities and beyond.

I’m 53 years old, and I’d never had anything even approaching a major surgery. Until last week, that is. I’ll spare you the details, but I underwent a laparoscopic procedure last Thursday, Nov. 10, at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville.

Today, I would like to talk about celebrating our veterans and recognizing the sacrifices they have made for our freedoms. Veterans have a special place for me.

Everyone has to find their own path. Our journey is the constant in our lives. Not everyone gets married, goes to college, has children, goes into the military, or holds a 9-to-5 job. But whatever you are doing, or choose to do, use your platform and bandwidth wisely.