One of the earliest teachings my children learned centered on the practice of making good choices. As toddlers, picking out the movie to watch before bedtime or choosing the tastiest snack to pack away for school never required much debate. However, as they grew older, good decision-making became far more complex as the world around them unfolded a menu of different choices to accompany each new scenario. Soon enough, they were setting their own goals, shaping discipline into the art of study habits, making friends, and finding a unique way to bring “good” into the world. Along this journey, I put my heart into teaching them “how” to think and wisely discern without determining the outcome itself. Ultimately, it was their choice to make and abide by. The bigger the decision, the more time we spent thinking through the impact of possible moves like in the game of chess…
The beauty of fall is arriving with full force. What a gift this season is! The lush green of summer is slowly unfolding the splendid colors of orange, red and yellow. Home décor welcomes the lighting up of pumpkin spice scented candles, a fall themed door wreath and a happy gnome sitting alongside tiny magic filled mushrooms. Look around you. The many faces of change (seen and unseen) is present everywhere except in the unchanging ONE who declares “I, the Lord, never change.” God remains the same forever We are the ones who must experience all the faces of change that come in a lifetime. Change brings the grace of visible joy when the heart and mind strive to reach God. Each day, we wake to that inner power that stirs us to become more of the person He created us to be. Ultimately, reaching that potential of being…
Forever Kept in the Vault of My Heart As of this writing, James and I last spoke 8,035 days ago. This anniversary of September 11th 2001 marks the tragic last day that I heard the sound of my brother’s voice. At the time, I truly believed that my heart held all the love that it could possibly hold over my lifetime. But I was wrong. Twenty-two years of missing James has increased the love I have for him beyond measure. Years have shown me what it means to suddenly lose a cherished sibling in the horrific way that 9/11 families did. Losing him forever changed my own place in the world. The bond that siblings hold for each other shapes the life of the whole family. That is what love simply does. When one is lost, all are lost. As brother and sister, James and I…
Life can unexpectedly drop a mystery into your day. One such situation took me by surprise on an early summer morning. Sticking to my usual routine, I was gearing up for the work day while sipping an extra hot cup of coffee. Suddenly, I heard a noise coming from outside the house. It was a fast, bumpy sound, like the clangor sneakers make tumbling in the dryer. With a few loud planes also flying overhead, I didn’t give it too much thought. Not long after I returned to my steaming cup, the strange sound returned. It was louder this time. While I am no Sherlock Holmes in the making, I sheepishly went outside to investigate, but found nothing suspicious. All was well. So with greater intention, I made my way back inside to finish breakfast. However, before reaching the kitchen table, I distinctly heard the muffling noise loud and…
The desert Fathers knew the spiritual power given in the arrow prayer. They committed to memory, the poetic words the Psalmist prayed to draw God down into their human situation and bless them right where they were. With one breath, the day began with the prayer, “Lord, be with us.” Chanting the words “Thank you Father for the beauty of all you created,” they praised the Almighty for the light given by the sun, shimmer of the moon and sustaining food from the earth. In sickness, their supplications lamented “Have mercy on me Lord, fill me with a length of days” or “Incline thy ear to hear my plea with mercy. For I am without help, make haste and deliver me.” When in doubt, the words “Lord, help me in my unbelief” stand ready. Saint Mother Theresa of Calcutta also spoke arrow prayers into her work without end. She said…
