When Life Is Not Easy

Life is hard for everybody, and one of the reasons I am SO thankful for law enforcement is because of your choice to serve others in the midst of the "hard" you are facing in your own life.

To be the kind of officer and the kind of person you want to be, you make hard choices every day: To continue in a profession that is routinely lied about, marginalized and criticized by those who have never walked in your shoes and would never pay the price you pay to do what you do. To serve with integrity. To be kind to people who are just the opposite to you. To be patient with difficult people...or overwhelmed people who are totally unprepared to deal with what life has just thrown at them. To help people who lie to you. To deal with difficult supervisors. To do your best even when it is not always recognized. Personally: To continue learning. To take care of yourself physically. To find balance in life. To be a good friend. To spend quality time with your kids. To prioritize your marriage. 

Thank you for taking on more "hard" in life to make life better (safer, less hard) for so many in our city. I ran across a poster this week that talks about choosing our hard in life. You can add your own categories, but I hope this encourages you as you continue to serve others in the midst of your own life challenges. Your service truly is appreciated!

Marriage is hard. Divorce is hard. Choose your hard.
Obesity is hard. Being fit is hard. Choose your hard.
Being in debt is hard. Being financially disciplined is hard. Choose your hard.
Communication is hard. Not communicating is hard. Choose your hard.
Integrity is hard. Hiding what you do is hard. Choose your hard.
Life will NEVER be easy. It will ALWAYS be HARD. But we can choose our hard.