Engage

I am an unapologetic Star Trek fan. I am not as enthusiastic as most, but I do recall a drinking game in college wherein you had to take a drink every time Kirk was overacting and every time Bones said, “It’s worse than that, he’s dead, Jim!” you had to drain your beverage. Aside from that, though, I loved the stories and the outrageous costuming and what were (for the time) cool effects. I watched Next Generation, also while in college. Jean-Luc Picard was so cool…unflappable, even. I confess that sometimes while using the microwave to reheat a tepid cuppa, I will think (sometimes say) “Earl Grey, hot”.

The thing about Picard…he would take in the information, make a decision, give his orders, and then say, “Engage.” Rarely was he less that cool and composed. Our Starship is leaving the dock today. I am not hysterical. I am ready for today, even if I don’t know what today is going to look like.

I am thinking about another meaning of “engage.” I may not have the opportunity to meet new students today, or see my friends at school, but I can engage my brain for planning, my heart for praying, my hands for helping. I might feel more like the melodramatic Bones on the inside, but on the outside, I am channeling Picard.

So. Sit back. Put your arms on the uncomfortable-looking armrests. Point your right finger to the front of you. Calmly, now. Say it.

Engage.