Jack Bauer

Many years ago, back when Blockbuster video stores were dotted across the country, I saw a DVD that caught my eye. 24. Keifer Sutherland? Yes, please.

I took it to the front and checked out. Up to this point, I had never rented a television series before. Not really paying attention to the details, Brian and I began watching season 4 of 24. Whoops! We were instantly hooked. It was the first thing we had ever binge-watched. We stayed up way too late each night, promising ourselves just one more episode. Just one.

We finished that season, and then went back and watched all the seasons. It was a beautiful thing. I absolutely loved the character Jack Bauer. Everything he did was for America, for the greater good...and I mean everything. His devotion was inspiring, to say the least.

I still think about Jack Bauer today. I often question if my motives are for something bigger, or just for me? Do I consider how the choices I make are affecting my husband, my kids, or my community? No one is an island. Our choices affect everyone around us.

The last year in my extended family has been difficult. I have watched from a distance as my sister has navigated some new and devastating terrain. Her new life is anything but easy. Her children are always in her heart and on her mind, and her choices reflect that. She acts like someone who is working toward something bigger and better than just her own needs.

Social media makes it so easy to focus on ourselves. Here's what I like, what I think, what I want. Me and me and me and me.

I think we could all be more like Jack. There is a greater good. I believe in God. I believe America is beautiful. I believe my family, while incredibly flawed, is still awesome. I believe that we need to think less about ourselves, and more about each other.

Be like Jack.

And if you never saw 24...you should.