The Future is Coming

Seen on a Facebook post from Fr. Don McMillan at Boston College ... from Anthony Demelo, a fellow Jesuit: "Extend your arms in welcome to the future. The best is yet to come."

As we depart another year, I pray that we be wise enough to look at the future with wonder and welcome, and leave fear and doubt for the past.  Our lives are propelled forward by faith, in ourselves and in God’s plan. And in fact we can safely say, as true believers, that the best is definitely yet to come.

It may not come without travail or challenge, or persecution for some. It may not come easily or when bidden or expected. But that is the very essence of faith, the belief that the best is before us and in God’s hands, no matter the circumstances. It is He who determines when our best will arrive. And it is on its way.

A Humble Man

This weekend at Mass I learned something I didn’t know about Joseph, that he actually considered “divorcing” himself quietly from Mary, when she became pregnant with their coming Son. Divorcing is an odd word in this context, since they had not been living together … but the key for me was in Joseph’s reaction. As a humble and righteous man, he wanted to do the right thing in his mind, but the angel of God told him that the right thing was not following his mind, but in following God’s will. And so he did, for the rest of his days.

Isn’t that true for all of us? We think we have a plan for our lives but that plan changes over and over again. We can’t predict what will happen day to day … we don’t know what we’ll be doing month to month … we won’t know where we’ll be year to year. Isn’t that proof enough that our lives follow God’s plan, and not ours?

I pray today that I can live Joseph’s humble example, that I can see my life for what it is … a reflection of God’s will for me, a path that does justice to Him, a means to a an ultimate end with Him. It is not easy to give yourself to God’s will; it’s just not our nature to relinquish control. But we need to know that He is in control, working through us. I see that in people I respect, as they live their lives of love and care for others … 

Celebrating for Real

From the Oprah newsletter … "Christmas can't be found on a tree or in a package. It comes with the rich connections we make with those around us and with the nurturing we extend to ourselves and others … those are the gifts that count.”

My sister sent this to me, as she shared that in her recent move into a new place, all of her Christmas decorations ended up at the back of a storage unit. Which means that for the first time in her life, she will not have a tree or decorations. But instead she said “I will however be celebrating the REAL meaning of Christmas, the Promise that came with HIS birth. Awesome!!!”

Today I pray for all of us who may not have much in the way of decorations up, but who have Christ in our hearts. It is our connection to Him that helps us nurture others. It is our connection to Him that helps us nurture ourselves, too. I am proud of my sister for her attitude, her perseverance and her belief. Because it is that belief in Him … and in Christmas … that makes this season so joyously powerful.

Tomorrow is Not Like Today

I was catching up on emails and saw this thoughtful and unexpected story from TGIF, Today God Is First … a reminder that there is always more than meets the eye, more than we can know at the present moment. God has a plan for me and for us, and it is unfathomable. I pray today that I be able to take the time to consider the many factors that go into any human situation. I pray too that I am able to recognize the challenges that others face … and to help them see that tomorrow will be different than today. Always there is hope, even in the humblest and most difficult of circumstances. I have seen that in my own life.

The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. – James 1:9

Do you find yourself in humble circumstances? If so, James tells us that we are to take pride in this “high” position. These two things would seem to be an oxymoron. Most of us would not consider humble circumstances a high position.Successful business tells us that being on top means being wealthy, attaining favor and status, or having power to influence. However, Jesus influenced not from power, but from weakness.

J.C. Penney is a name synonymous with department store. He first launched his chain of “The Golden Rule” stores in 1907. In 1910 his first wife died. Three years later, he incorporated as the J.C. Penney Company. In 1923 his second wife died giving birth to his son. In 1929 the stock market crashed and he lost $40 million.

By 1932, he had to sell out to satisfy creditors. This left him virtually broke.

Crushed in spirit from his loss and his health suddenly failing, Penney wound up in a Battle Creek, Michigan sanitarium. One morning he heard the distant singing of employees who gathered to start the day with God: Be not dismayed, whate’er betide, God will take care of you …. Penney followed the music to its source and slipped into a back row. He left a short time later a changed man, his health and spirit renewed, and ready to start the long climb back at age fifty-six.

By 1951 there was a J.C. Penney store in every state, and for the first time sales surpassed $1 billion a year.

The success of J.C. Penney can be traced to God’s mercy in his life to bring him out of his humble circumstance. Do you find yourself in a humble circumstance? God is the only one who can help you see your humble circumstance from His viewpoint - a high position. It is a high position because of what God is going to teach you in this place. He does not intend you to stay there; it is merely a stopping place to learn some important things you would not learn otherwise. Press into God and trust Him for the outcome to your circumstances.

In the End, Content is Everything

From Seth Godin’s blog … “You will never keep people from talking. But you can take actions to influence the content of what they say.”

Seth is a very savvy guy, a clever and provocative business thinker and writer. If you haven’t seen any of his work (and you’re in business), he is a very worthwhile read. And what he says is honest and true. Often what he says has application far beyond business, so you may want to read him even if you're not in business..

I read this line in one of his blog postings and thought about it outside of the business world, in the context of truly personal character. It makes me consider what actions we take to “influence” what people say … or more importantly, think … about us.

It’s not the same as “wondering what people think”, in the way some are at times overly concerned with what others perceive. That seems passive to me. Seth’s approach is more active … what are we doing that shapes the perception or reality that people have of us? Do we think about that consciously? Do we think about it more when we’re young and starting our careers, and beginning to shape our destiny? How about as we age … maybe we think about it even more then, closer to the end times?

I think about that sentence another way, for a time when people will definitely be talking about you. What will people remember you for, when you’re gone? After all, it is the whole of your life that will be celebrated, or not. What will people think when they hear your name? What would they say if asked to speak at your memorial? What “content” are you giving them that is truly yours, honest and direct and at the core of who you are? What actions of yours will influence their final opinion?

We play many roles and take many actions, every minute of every day. And it is a precious few actions that may resonate for people in a special way. I pray today that I … and all of those I touch … am taking and displaying actions that reveal the true me, the me I want them to remember, the soul within.

The Coming of Special Guests

Father Mark’s homily at Annunciation last Sunday reminded us that Advent is a time to “clean out the house that is your soul” … there is a special guest about to arrive, and this is the perfect time to acknowledge our sins, reflect on our purpose and prepare to receive the gift that is Christ in Christmas.

I saw this related item in Sacred Space … “Advent is in many ways the most beautiful and profound time of the Christian year. Advent means ‘coming’, and the season is about our waiting for the most mysterious and wonderful coming of all, into the heart of our lives. The words of St Paul are relevant: “It is full time now for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

As I near the holidays and a return to our once-a-year full family gathering, I realize again that at Advent we all experience the coming of special guests in lots of different ways. Many are family, like my daughter traveling back from Argentina, kids coming home from college, distanced relatives joining some of us for the holidays. Some are old friends, like the members of my Men's Group in Greensboro I hope to see over the coming weeks ... some are new friends, like the small group of us who come together on Mondays for faith sharing. And then there are the people who unexpectedly come into our lives and thoughts, and show us God ... the homeless man under the bridge one of our members brought breakfast to, the deaf woman whose home we painted last weekend for Habitat, the service veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice for us on December 7th, 1941. All are special guests, in our homes and in our hearts.

We come together for these holidays, woven together by tradition and memory and love. Our joy is more palpable in emotion and song and prayer. The "day" is at hand and salvation definitely feels nearer than ever. And there is but one reason why. 

At the core of the season is Jesus, He who was the greatest guest, He who comes to us in scripture and hymn every year at this time, more clearly than at other times. And He who will be the greatest guest again, one day when we are least expecting Him. As we get closer to the holidays we will enjoy together, I pray that we may allow Jesus to come into our hearts this season as an expected guest, one whose company we treasure. He is indeed the Gift, to all of us.

Rest in Peace

Elizabeth Edwards passed away today but will not be forgotten. To me she was a person of faith, a person of strength, a person of courage that I looked at with wonder. Intelligent, loyal, family-focused ... she knew her strengths and her weaknesses, and displayed them publicly. She was rare, no matter your politics. She was not perfect, not by any means. But she taught me a lot about how to die ... that too is rare to find.

For Elizabeth

Today I pray for Elizabeth Edwards, a fellow North Carolinian who has been a model of integrity, truth and courage for many years. She lies at home today, surrounded by her loved ones, preparing to die. I know she has planned carefully for this day. Still though, it is sad to see someone so valuable too soon leave the scene. Her decency and tremendous instinct for the human condition will live on, as it does in her statement today ...

"You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces – my family, my friends and a faith in the power of resilience and hope. These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined. The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And, yes, there are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It's called being human.

"But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful. It isn't possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel to everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know."

A Brush of Kindness

This Saturday I had a chance to join fellow parishioners at "A Brush of Kindness", an opportunity to paint a Habitat for Humanity home in Sanford. We were able to finish both the inside and outside painting of a whole house, with the help of over a dozen volunteers. It was my first chance to work with Annunciation folks, a gratifying way to share our time and (painting) talent with Linda, the deaf woman who owns the house and will move in soon.

Reflecting on the day this Sunday morning, it made me think of the many different ways we share "brushes of kindness" with people. I say brushes because so many of them go almost unnoticed ... they are like very small opportunities that come our way. Maybe a smile for someone, holding an open door or letting cars into our driving lane. Maybe sharing a meal or a recipe, or sharing time with a friend that needs us. Maybe delivering items for our Be An Angel effort at church, or sending a kind email to a coworker or making a call to a family member out of town. Today at early Mass one of our small group members brushed me with kindness when she told me she had made a recipe I shared for her circle ... that made me feel warm, seeing her great smile and enthusiasm. And it was literally a conversation that took seconds.

I pray today that each of us that share brushes of .kindness will know just how much those mean to the people who receive them, whether they are structured and planned, or spontaneous. Just in our own small group, I think of Jenny working at Hospice, Shay ministering to the sick, Mary so involved at church, Marty leading the Habitat effort ... and I know there are so many other activities that all of our members are likely involved in. We each have so many opportunities ... may we take advantage of them more and more, and especially those that seem small and unexpected. May we be a "brush of kindness" to someone today, and every day.

His Investment ... and Mine

I saw this quote at the office today, in one of our network marketing books … “My father taught me to always do more than you get paid for, as an investment in your future.” 

What a great idea to carry with you, no matter what you do. The quote is from Jim Rohn, a fairly famous motivational speaker in our industry and recently deceased. He has been oft-quoted for as long as I’ve been involved with my company, going back about 10 years. And his words really are inspirational, in lots of ways.

Now look at the quote in another context. God the Father asked Jesus to do so much more than was expected, to make the ultimate investment … and all for our future. He asked Jesus to give his life for us. Jesus invested Himself not only in his suffering but He invested in us. Jesus lives within us as proof of His investment … He lends us each His emotional energy, because we too are invested in Him..

I pray today that I too can always do more than God expects of me, as an investment in our common future. It’s not about me … it’s about how I invest myself in others.

The Precious Stillness Awaits

I came across this quote from Edward Abbey today … "Climb the mountains, bag the peaks, run the rivers, breathe deep of that yet sweet and lucid air, sit quietly for a while and contemplate the precious stillness, the lovely, mysterious and awesome space."

Edward Abbey was an author and essayist, called “the Thoreau of the American West.” His quote definitely speaks to that, in terms of the wide open country he speaks and writes about. I can place myself in his “scene”, not just in terms of what he describes, but also in what it means to me.

It reminds me of the Jesus Prayer we shared in our Why Catholic group ... meditation that night was actually a first for me, and it was a great start. We are rarely out in the wilderness that Abbey describes but we can definitely go there in our minds ... that is the power of meditation. 

This passage also speaks to the wonder that is God and the nature He provides for us. For me it is about somehow achieving a oneness with God, in that "precious stillness" and surrounded by the "sweet and lucid air" of real nature. Or not ... I love the last line as well, because life itself is a "lovely, mysterious and awesome space."

Today I will take the time to go myself into the "precious stillness" that we can all find, if we but close our eyes and imagine.

21,004 Days. And Counting.

From a great homily by Father Jim Scherer, at St. Paul the Apostle in Greensboro … he talked in wonder about his life and the fact that he had lived 26,000 days. It struck me that most of us have never realized what our own number is.

There are lots of thoughts and ideas out there relating to days. Seize the day. Oh happy day. It’s a brand new day. Take it one day at a time. There are likely many many more.

So I calculated today that I have lived a total of 21,004 days on this earth. That seems amazing to me, when you look back at it that way. As Father Scherer said, it is indeed a wonder to look at, for any of us. I’m sure even young adults looking at their total would be surprised.

I look at that total of 21,004 and it says a lot to me. I think of the days of fun, of water and sun and our kids happy in ocean waves and in snow. I think of the wasted days being unhappy or mad at someone. I think of the days with family during holidays, early days with Norma and Aby and my siblings, other days with the Doc and Pat and my new family. I think of the days spent anxious, in fear of things that never happened. I think of days walking the quads at Notre Dame, not fully realizing how special those were. I think of 4 months of dark days in depression, and how only my wife and Jesus helped me through those … I think too of the first 5 days I spent recovering with the help of professionals. I think of the days spent on the soccer sidelines or stands, on the beaches and in the mountains, with family and with friends. I think of the days spent in Boston and Buenos Aires, in Valparaiso and Washington, in Minneapolis and South Bend. And especially in Greensboro. So many memories, so many days.

Every day is a blessing, a miracle really. I don’t think about that often enough. We are granted just so many days and then, our time here is up. Am I doing all I can to fulfill my purpose, every day? Am I doing everything I can to create a positive legacy, every day? Is my every day in some way adding to the world, even if it’s just my corner of it?

There is a quote I saw that said “Make the most of your day … those that have passed on would do anything to have the time you have right now.” I understand that better now, as I think about that homily. Today I thank God for every day He has granted and those He will grant me still.