Nicholson
Today’s random thought comes from looking down and seeing a scar I couldn’t remember.
First, though, some of my recent week as the mayor of the best small town in America.
Oftentimes, it isn’t what is being presented as much as it is how can we present it to make it more understandable. During a recent park board meeting, this topic came up on how best to present the information so members of the board and the department could follow it as easily as possible.
After some exchange and a sample, I believe they may have found a new way to update the board members each meeting. I won’t be surprised if it doesn’t need a few small adjustments over the next month to dial it in, but I feel it will be in an easier-to-read format very soon. Thanks to both the board members and to the parks and recreation staff for your continued efforts not just on this but on our parks system as a whole.
It is that time of year again. No, I am not talking about the holidays. I am referring to our annual audit. Because of the amount of federal grants the city receives, we are required to have the State Board of Accounts do an audit each year.
We had our opening meeting with the audit team recently and will spend time providing records and documents so they can do their job and ensure the city is doing its job with the best practices possible. Good work on the front end helps the process go smoother. A big thank you to both the audit team and staff from the clerk-treasurer’s office for making the process as painless as an audit can be.
Wreaths Across America recently made a stop in Seymour at the Walmart Distribution Center. The goal of the event and others across the country is to remember our fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve and teach our children the value of freedom.
It was my honor to briefly speak at the event and say thank you to all of our Gold Star families, those currently serving and to those who have helped put this event on since it started in 1992. If you are interested in learning more, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Back to that pesky scar I noticed on my arm. As I was driving trying to remember what I had done to leave a permanent mark on my body, I got to thinking about other scars that I could quickly tell you all of the details about.
Be it the time in high school when I was hit in the forehead with a board in shop class and how I was quick-witted enough to have a little fun with a new teacher. Maybe it is the bone-deep channel that runs up my shin from my days racing BMX bikes. Who knows? It could be that one on my finger that… that well, maybe I shouldn’t share that story today.
What I really got to thinking about, though, was I am sure when that scar was made, it hurt. I would guess it bled as most cuts do. I also know even though it was a big moment that day that here I am however many days, months or years later, and it wasn’t a big enough event for the memory to stay with me.
Life is full of moments like that, things that we don’t think we will ever forget that with the passing of time have faded from our memories. Those moments make up much of our days, and while they are important right then, they might not be so big in five days, five months or five years.
As you face life’s troubles, I hope you will remember to ask yourself, “Will this be important in five days? How about in five months? Will this still be important five years from now?” If the answer is no, then move on because worrying about it does nothing but waste time, and according to Art Buchwald, it is the only time we’ve got: “Whether it’s the best of times or the worst of times, it’s the only time we’ve got.”
Matt Nicholson is the mayor of Seymour. Send comments to [email protected].