The Weekly Spark: Original Photography & Reflections

On my cross-country bike ride in 2017, I came across this piece of forgotten playground equipment in Wyoming. Standing quietly in the grass, unused yet unbroken, it stirred something familiar: a reminder of simpler times.

Mondays give us a chance to reset — a fresh start to shape the week ahead. That’s why I love Motivational Monday: it’s a reminder to focus on what’s right in front of us.

This week’s thought is simple yet powerful: We only get one day at a time.

When I rode my bike near McKenzie Pass in Oregon, I was struck by the contrast of the rugged rock fields in the foreground and the snow-capped peaks shining in the distance. At first glance, the terrain appears harsh, almost unwelcoming—jagged stone, weathered stumps, and lifeless ground. But lift your eyes just a little higher, and you see the mountain standing steady and clear, framed by blue sky and fresh clouds.

When we think of strength, we often picture speed, force, or bold action. Yet true power often comes quietly—through patience. Like a windmill turning slowly with the breeze, patience allows us to harness energy in steady, sustainable ways.

This Motivational Monday feels especially meaningful—it’s not just the start of a new week, but also Labor Day. To me, it’s a reminder that the simple, steady work of ordinary people is what has built and continues to sustain our country. Labor Day isn’t just about a long weekend; it’s about honoring the perseverance and grit that shape our lives and communities.