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Hello, Neighbor!
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a new one, you know Lawrence County, Tennessee is a great place to be. Our 618 square miles offer city and country living, beautiful forests, open spaces, creeks for paddling and fishing, and a piece of history around every corner. We have award-winning schools, a thriving business community, and residents willing to give their hearts and hands to improve others’ lives. Lawrence County Government is here to provide services that will help you live your best life. Explore our website to learn more about this community and how Lawrence County Government can assist you.
NEW TERM, NEW BLESSINGS
by David Morgan, Lawrence County Executive
A new term has begun for Lawrence County government, and with it comes a renewed sense of responsibility, optimism, and gratitude. But this new term has also brought a new blessing into my life—one that has already reminded me of what really matters.
This week, I became a grandfather.
My son Ben and Miley welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Maylee Kay Morgan, into the world. I could not be more proud of them or more thankful for this precious new life God has entrusted to our family.
Of course, I would like to be called “Grandfather.” I think it has a certain dignity to it, and maybe it’s time we bring the original name back! But I have a feeling I’ll have very little say in the matter. And that’s perfectly fine. Maylee can call me whatever she wants—just so long as she calls me.
It’s amazing how quickly a newborn can change your perspective.
We spend so much of our lives rushing from one responsibility to another. There are meetings to attend, decisions to make, budgets to balance, problems to solve, people to serve, and plans to make for tomorrow. Those things matter. I take my responsibilities seriously, and I am grateful every day for the privilege of serving the people of Lawrence County.
But then you hold a newborn baby.
Everything gets quiet.
Suddenly, the meeting can wait. The phone can wait. The next problem can wait. You realize that slowing down and holding a newborn may be one of the best investments of time you will ever make.
Maylee has already reminded me of something I have always believed: life is precious, and new life is worth protecting, preserving, and celebrating.
There is something almost overwhelming about the vulnerability of a newborn child. Human babies enter this world completely dependent upon someone else. They cannot feed themselves, protect themselves, or provide for themselves. They simply trust the arms holding them.
That has always astonished me.
Maybe God designed it that way in part to remind us of our own dependence upon Him. No matter how old we become, how accomplished we may be, or how much responsibility we carry, we never outgrow our need for our Heavenly Father. We need His wisdom, His strength, His protection, and His grace every single day.
Holding Maylee has reminded me that making the right choice is always the right thing to do—even when it is difficult. It has reminded me that our decisions today shape a world that our children and grandchildren will inherit tomorrow.
That perspective matters in public service, too.
As I begin this new term, I have tremendous confidence in our County Commission and in our ability to work together as we navigate the future and direction of Lawrence County. None of us has all the answers, and none of us should want to do this work alone. Working together is a privilege. Listening to one another, respecting our different roles and perspectives, and finding common ground will make us better leaders and Lawrence County a stronger community.
I also recognize more than ever the importance of balance.
Public service can consume every hour you are willing to give it. There will always be another phone call, another meeting, another concern, and another problem that needs attention. Serving people well requires sacrifice, but it should never cause us to lose sight of the people God has placed closest to us.
Titles eventually change. Terms eventually end. Careers eventually come to a close.
Family remains.
I am especially proud of my son Ben. Over the past year, I have watched him mature, grow, and now step into one of the greatest responsibilities a man will ever have—the responsibility of being a father.
My hope for Ben isn’t that he will have every answer. No father does. My hope is that when he doesn’t know the answer, he will know where to look.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6
Ben, lean on your Heavenly Father. Ask Him for wisdom when you don’t know what to do. Ask Him for patience when you’re tired. Ask Him for strength when you feel inadequate. Love Miley. Love that little girl. Be present. Keep your word. Lead your family with humility, integrity, and faith.
Maylee Kay has only been here a short time, but she has already taught her grandfather quite a bit.
Life is precious.
Family matters.
Time is valuable.
Doing the right thing matters.
And sometimes the most productive thing a man can do is put down his phone, forget about the next meeting, and hold his granddaughter.
So as this new term begins, I am grateful for the confidence the people of Lawrence County have placed in me. I’m grateful for the men and women I have the privilege of serving alongside. I’m optimistic about where we’re headed, and I’m excited about what we can accomplish together.
But this week, I’m especially grateful for a little girl named Maylee Kay Morgan.
New term. New blessings. And a renewed reminder of what really matters.
