Yesterday, Kingsport City Manager Chris McCartt gave the annual State of the City address. It’s an exhausting task to put it together–I speak from experience. It forces us to pause from our daily grind and reflect on our community’s progress, challenges, and vision. I always leave energized, optimistic, and grateful. But I’m also empathetic to those who are still in the arena fighting the good fight.
I happened upon an article from the 1926 newspaper–almost 100 years ago–that sounded very much like a State of the City report. As I read it, I was reminded that there have been many who carried the torch for a leg of the race. It also reminded me that life goes on in perpetuity–with or without us. Names and faces change, but the tasks continue without end. And my prayer is that the current torchbearers will keep a healthy perspective on the pressures that bear down on them and their families.
I lost my brother at age 54. He was a torchbearer, too. He was a CEO, a fundraiser, a volunteer, and a difference maker. He gave until his last breath. But there isn’t a day that his family doesn’t wish him back to see the birth of his latest great grandson or celebrate his daughters’ birthdays. He collapsed while giving a budget presentation and never woke up.
His death impacted me profoundly. I love my community, but I try to never take one day for granted with my wife, kids, and grandkids–the ones who will hold my hand when I leave this earth.
Early in my career, I volunteered for an evening task. The organizer firmly gripped my hand and said, “Thank you for giving up a day in your life.” I had never thought about it that way. Our days are numbered and I hope our community shows grace to those who choose to share theirs to make life better for us all.
You can review the 2023 materials here:
Review the booklet here: https://www.kingsporttn.gov/…/City-of-Kingsport-State…
And watch the livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/@cityofkingsport37660/streams
Kingsport Spirit 
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