Or maybe the “next right thing” is choosing not to react in frustration. But rather, just simply sit and listen.

To stand in silence by someone to remind them:
“I’m here. You’re not alone.”

Let’s be honest—life can be tough some most of the time.

Things don’t go as planned. Emotions run high. Communication gets messy. Personalities clash. Our strengths, weaknesses, and past experiences don’t always align. The world can feel... heavy.

So anytime I receive a word of encouragement about someone’s experience at Lone Oak, or how something we wrote or shared may have sparked a positive change in their life—I decipher it as God saying:
“You’re on the right track. Just keep taking steps.”

Just last week, I received a random message from a friend:

“I just want to reach out regarding your posts on LinkedIn. They are so heartfelt and make me want to get better every day! Thank you for that.”

That one note was the fuel I needed.
Okay—I’m on the right track. Now, just keep shoveling coal into the furnace.

Our family is preparing for our oldest son’s senior year of high school. It seems all the “important” questions have begun:

• “What’s next?”
• “What are you going to do when you grow up?”
• “Where are you going to college?”
• “Where are you going to live?”
• “What’s the plan?”

In essence, they’re all saying the same thing:
"You need a plan to create value in your life."

I know these questions weigh on Joe. His parents and siblings feel them, too. And, I’m confident, when he doesn’t have a tidy, impressive answer, he feels behind. Unprepared. Not in control or “together.” Essentially, less valuable.

But maybe the answer is simpler than we think.

Author Matthew Kelly shares, “Just do the next right thing.”

Maybe Joe doesn’t need to know what degree he’ll have in four years. Maybe he doesn’t have to figure out where he’ll live in twelve months, what job he’ll work in six, or even what he’s eating for dinner tomorrow.

Today, all I want for him is that he chooses to do the next right thing.

Maybe he decides to ask his dad to go on a golf cart ride like he did earlier this week.
Maybe this afternoon, he just takes his little brothers swimming or helps his mom unload the groceries.

Isn’t there enough value created in those moments?

At Lone Oak, we try to live by that same principle. So…
We write letters.
We offer encouragement.
We share clean rooms, quiet rv sites and serve enjoyable meals.
We create a peace many haven’t experienced in decades.

So here’s a challenge for you: Today, just do the next right thing.

Text your spouse that you’re excited to see them tonight.
Tell your child you’re proud of them.
Write a letter to your dad.
Fold the laundry, call a friend…or perhaps just smile at someone. 

Or maybe the “next right thing” is choosing not to react in frustration. But rather, just simply sit and listen. To stand in silence by someone to remind them:
“I’m here. You’re not alone.”

Because the opposite is also true. In a world constantly pulling for balance, our negative actions can just as easily shift the train onto the wrong track—toward a destination we never intended.

These small steps may not seem grand or life-changing...
But they can become something spectacular…the next right things on a path to a lot of other right things.

See you at the train station.

Remain encouraged,
Brian