CEO, Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” When a much younger Matthew Broderick looked into the camera and delivered those lines in the 1986 classic movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” I doubt he knew how famous he would soon become. But those words would soon become a frequent topic for college entrance essays, inspirational framed prints sold in office supply stores and even a magazine article or two just like this one.
While the actor created the memorable moment, it was the writer and producer who gave us the inspirational words. Amazingly, John Hughes penned the entire film in less than a week to avoid an upcoming labor dispute. Whether Mr. Hughes knew it or not, in his haste he provided some wisdom that several generations have now pondered.
As I consider how 2024 has come and gone so quickly, I find myself wondering if I have missed it. A lot has transpired over this year. And it is all too easy to be overwhelmed by it all. Whether it is seminal moments in my children’s lives, big decisions in the workplace, the death of colleagues and cherished loved ones, the announcement of new life for excited parents, national championships, improbable upsets or the election of leaders — life does come at us pretty fast.
Let me encourage you to consider this. Much of life’s meaning comes in the everyday, ordinary moments. Yes, it is easy to focus on the big events. How did you feel the last time your good friend called you on your birthday to tell you they were thinking of you? Or when you finished a hard day’s work and saw the fruits of your labors shining for others to enjoy and experience? Or when you read a book to your grandchild and they fell asleep in your arms?
Just last week, I had an experience that helped me refocus. It was another day of waking up and rushing to get out of the door to a busy day filled with more commitments than I could possibly accomplish. But as I walked into the kitchen, I noticed the silhouette of three large trucks parked outside. I saw the logo of my co-op on the side. I immediately and absentmindedly looked up at the lights above the kitchen counter. Still on. Good. Time to get to the office and get to work.
But as I pulled out of the driveway, I saw several men working to restore power to my next-door neighbor. Another normal day for these five hardworking professionals, yes, but not an everyday occurrence for me and my neighbors. Twenty minutes later, I arrived back at the scene with fresh doughnuts, cold Red Bulls and an assortment of Gatorades. A thank you for the job underway. An acknowledgment that they were seen and their work was appreciated.
That morning outside my neighbor’s front door, I saw five smiles from five decent men who appreciated someone saying thank you. We chatted about their work, our community and even learned that we had some mutual friends working at the local high school. Everyday life, connecting strangers together. Then we looked across the road and saw a mother and her young son. He was watching the crew and was mightily impressed with the trucks and their flashing lights. The look of wonder on that boy’s face made me proud to be a part of your cooperative’s everyday work, and I’m glad I stopped to look around. It was too good to miss.
