By Scott Lowe
After a few decades in ministry—and now real estate, leadership coaching, and just general adulting—I’ve picked up a few things. Some lessons came through reflection and practice. Others came via awkward moments and challenges. Here’s a collection of musings from the journey so far.
On Forgiveness
Start small. Forgive the guy who cut you off. Forgive the friend who borrowed your tool and never returned it. Forgive the person who brought salad to the potluck.
Eventually, you’ll find the strength to forgive when it really matters.
Forgive in small ways and eventually you will be able to forgive in big ways.
On Preaching
Less is more.
I know, I know… I wish I had this one down myself. Let’s just say some of my sermons required intermission snacks.
But truly—shorter messages can hit deeper. The point isn’t to say more—it’s to say something that sticks.
On Board or Elder Meetings
2-Whiskey Policy 😂: no one gets to speak at a board meeting until they’ve had at least two fingers of something aged and smoky. This wasn’t about numbing the pain—it was about softening the egos. You’d be amazed at how much kinder, wiser, and more human some folks became after sip #2.
(Not officially endorsed… but strangely effective.)
On Counseling
Know when to refer. Seriously.
You’re not everyone’s fix-it person. You’re not a therapist. You don’t even own a couch with the right number of pillows.
Be present, sure—but know your limits. Trying to be a superheroe leads to burn out. Good listeners point people to the right help.
On Time
You get 168 hours a week.
1/3 will go to sleep.
1/3 will go to work.
The last 1/3? That’s the sweet spot.
Use it for the people you love, for your health, your laughter, your sanity. My coach once said: “If you don’t schedule your life, someone else will.” So block date nights. Block workouts. Block time to breathe. The important stuff won’t just “fit in”—you’ve got to make room for it.
On Marriage
Have ears. Use them. (not my strength but at almost 28 years getting there.)
Resist the urge to fix. Just listen.
On Parenting
You’re GOING to mess it up.
But here’s the good news: you’re learning, and your kids are surprisingly resilient. Say sorry. Laugh often. Keep showing up. That’s what they’ll remember. And don’t worry—your kids will be in counseling too.
On Struggles
You are not alone. Even when it feels like it.
Be KIND to YOURSELF. Grace isn’t just something we give others—it’s something we need give ourselves.
On Calling or Direction
It changes. It grows. It shifts.
If what used to fit feels tight now, it might mean you’ve outgrown it. A role, relationship, routine, or even a sense of purpose that once felt right may no longer align with who you are today.
You’ve grown. You’ve changed. You’ve evolved.
Pay attention to that discomfort. It might be an invitation—not a problem.
Stay open. Stay curious. Something new might be waiting.
Final Thought
Have fun.
Stay grounded.
Keep becoming the kind of person you’d want to follow. You’re a work in progress—and that’s a good thing.
Hope this helps. Note: Coaching doesn’t fix you—it helps you find your way forward.
scott-lowe.com 
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