Today I celebrate two years of writing “Lyfting Me Up”. Almost every week it has been my joy to have you ride along in my red car. Here are a few things I’ve experienced that I would like to share with you.
1. In 1971, as I began at the Enid State School, Ernestine S, a classic 60- year-old social worker said to a brand new beginning social worker, “Mark- No matter how different these people seem, remember this: they are more like you are, than they are different”. I have now given 4,703 rides to folks who all have something in common.
2. 10 years ago we were all told—“Never accept a ride from a stranger, or let them stay in your home”. The 30-somethings that created Lyft and the likes of airb&b gave a great gift to the world. Friendships abound and complete strangers connect.
3. 98% of riders are responsible and respectful. 2% are jerks.
4. On Friday nights everyone loves the Frank Sinatra channel.
5. 8 out of 10 riders have moved to Denver in the last 4 years. They love
being here. They often ask how I feel about this mass migration. My answer is always the same, “Check your attitude at the border, and give back”.
6. There is NO and I mean NO, excuse for drinking and driving.
7. There is always a noticeable pause when I am asked what I did before
driving for Lyft. “Pastor” is never what they are expecting.
8. Airport rides are the most fun. You hear a lot.
9. People have interesting jobs… the most recent epiphany is that I met
two “Scrum—Masters”. (Social workers for techies, they teach
computer geeks how to work as a team.)
10. There is a deep and connecting spiritual hunger in the vast majority of
folks.
My goal is to hit 5000 rides by Easter!!! Happy 2019. Onward and Upward,
Mark
Lyfting Me Up 