I just started reading a book, Cutting for Stone, and one of the quotes that stood out to me in the prologue was this:"You live life forward, but you understand it backward." In our own lives, how often do we stop and reflect on where we've come from and where we're going?...
An unexpected death, that's what it was. Many of us had no idea this school parent was even ill. This man touched so many lives in his short time on earth, and that was evident at Saturday's service, where hundreds of people gathered in the church to celebrate his life and to pay their respects. His family, kids he coached in baseball, friends of his kids, friends of him and his wife, faculty from the school, and others filled the pews. I was touched to see so many students from our school and alumni who had gone to school with this man's daughter (who is now in high school) - they came to support their friend(s).
Funerals tend to do this - they bring people together and allow all gathered to collectively pause and reflect on both the life of the person who died and their own mortality, not in a morbid way, but in a way that makes one ask, "Am I living in such a way that is for others?" and "Am I living in such a way that, at my funeral, they can say I lived a full life?" (I'm sure there are other questions we should be asking too.)
The priest gave us an image to use to help us think about our time on earth - When we are born, we have an hourglass filled with sand that gets turned over. Only God knows how much sand is in our hourglass. Some people have more, some people have less. But what we do during that time (however long or short) is up to us.
Father's image reminded me of the Mary Oliver quote that says, "Tell me, what will you do with your one wild and precious life?" Let us remember our time on earth is a gift - we don't know its length, but we can live it to the fullest to love and serve one another as well as be catalysts of joy.
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Friday, December 15, 2017
I can't think of anything better (or more needed)
I was scheduled to be at school till 6pm today for aftercare duty, but, as luck would have it, I got out over an hour early. Yes!!! That meant I had time to do a few things I hadn't banked on being able to do tonight: go to the grocery store, eat dinner, and bake a cake. Pretty soon I found the time nearing 7pm, which meant I needed to get going if I was hoping to get to Adoration on time.
Admittedly, I don't go to Adoration nearly as often as I should, but I am convinced that if more people spent time in Adoration our world would be a better place. With such hectic and crazy (and LOUD!) lives, our world (myself included) needs to SLOW DOWN. And Adoration provides just that - an opportunity to be still...to listen...to wonder...to love...
Tonight was a much needed date with Jesus. In His presence I felt such peace and such joy. I can't really even put it into words...but maybe these lyrics are close:
Admittedly, I don't go to Adoration nearly as often as I should, but I am convinced that if more people spent time in Adoration our world would be a better place. With such hectic and crazy (and LOUD!) lives, our world (myself included) needs to SLOW DOWN. And Adoration provides just that - an opportunity to be still...to listen...to wonder...to love...
Tonight was a much needed date with Jesus. In His presence I felt such peace and such joy. I can't really even put it into words...but maybe these lyrics are close:
My little heart is swelling with a song from somewhere else,
It's filling up with glory and I'm ringing like a bell,
My little heart, my little heart is racing,
It's racing just to keep up with your love and live to tell, and live to tell,
and it's all I know...
- "No Turning Back," Audrey Assad
I feel like I needed tonight even more so than usual, as I now feel grounded for everything about to happen this weekend and upcoming week (which is the last one before Christmas break). And there are a lot of people in my life who need some extra prayers lifted up to God right now. Tonight, I turned it all over to God, and, therefore, my prayers are in the best hands.
Monday, December 11, 2017
That used to be me...except...
Smiles abounded from the three current Chicago ACE teachers and their friend on Sunday afternoon at the Christkindlmarket.
"Thanks for getting us out of the house!"
"Man, I still have my grading left from Monday to do when I get back tonight..."
"This is so much fun. I love it!"
Such were the remarks that quickly followed our greeting. I was glad, too, to have an "excuse" to get out of my house. I'd been curled up with a book most of the day, having gone to the gym and grocery store earlier in the morning, so even though it was cold outside, it was refreshing.
Thankfully, it was less crowded on Sunday than it had been the past weekend. (I think the cloudy and cold weather had something to do with that...) We were able to wander around a bit, standing in lines here and there to browse the shops and purchase some ornaments. We even treated ourselves to hot chocolate in the classic "boot" (though, as you can see below, it's not a boot this year).
After leaving the market, I couldn't help but think, That used to be me...except...I might not have been convinced out of the house on a Sunday night. I used to worry about getting everything done and making sure I was ready for the week. I needed people to be the ones to get me out...and now, I find myself as one of those people. It's not because I care any less, but I think, instead, it's because I recognize the value of balance. I think sometimes it is possible to work too much - you have to be able to say no. You have to find some way to recharge.
And so I commend those ACE teachers for doing something I probably wouldn't have done myself but that is much needed, especially during the holidays. (Plus, I told them they can now say they've been to the Chicago Christkindlmarket - them + half of Chicago + tons of tourists...)
Now, here we are - only one more Monday to go until Christmas break - woo hoo! It's pretty hard for me to believe it, actually. Time sure flies...
To celebrate, here are a few highlights from today before I close:
Tomorrow, December 12, is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe - Catholics have so many ways and reasons to celebrate Mary during Advent - and so let us, once again, entrust ourselves and loved ones to our Mother: La virgen de Guadalupe, ruega por nosotros!
"Thanks for getting us out of the house!"
"Man, I still have my grading left from Monday to do when I get back tonight..."
"This is so much fun. I love it!"
Such were the remarks that quickly followed our greeting. I was glad, too, to have an "excuse" to get out of my house. I'd been curled up with a book most of the day, having gone to the gym and grocery store earlier in the morning, so even though it was cold outside, it was refreshing.
Thankfully, it was less crowded on Sunday than it had been the past weekend. (I think the cloudy and cold weather had something to do with that...) We were able to wander around a bit, standing in lines here and there to browse the shops and purchase some ornaments. We even treated ourselves to hot chocolate in the classic "boot" (though, as you can see below, it's not a boot this year).
After leaving the market, I couldn't help but think, That used to be me...except...I might not have been convinced out of the house on a Sunday night. I used to worry about getting everything done and making sure I was ready for the week. I needed people to be the ones to get me out...and now, I find myself as one of those people. It's not because I care any less, but I think, instead, it's because I recognize the value of balance. I think sometimes it is possible to work too much - you have to be able to say no. You have to find some way to recharge.
And so I commend those ACE teachers for doing something I probably wouldn't have done myself but that is much needed, especially during the holidays. (Plus, I told them they can now say they've been to the Chicago Christkindlmarket - them + half of Chicago + tons of tourists...)
Now, here we are - only one more Monday to go until Christmas break - woo hoo! It's pretty hard for me to believe it, actually. Time sure flies...
To celebrate, here are a few highlights from today before I close:
 |
| One of my grade school teachers posted this on FB, and it brought a smile to my face :) |
 |
| One of my Advent angels fulfilled a wish for dark chocolate... |
 |
| It truly is the most wonderful time of the year! |
 |
| I went out to help a friend with Christmas card stuff and found myself covered in snow - was NOT expecting that but was pleasantly surprised. I caught a snowflake or two on my tongue... |
Tomorrow, December 12, is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe - Catholics have so many ways and reasons to celebrate Mary during Advent - and so let us, once again, entrust ourselves and loved ones to our Mother: La virgen de Guadalupe, ruega por nosotros!
 |
| a gift from one of my students last year who visited Mexico |
Saturday, December 9, 2017
Starting off the weekend right
Shh...it's a surprise...
I don't know how he (at least mostly) pulled it off, but Kevin (with a great group of friends and family) pulled off a wonderful celebration in honor of his wife, Molly, last night here in Chicago. It was to celebrate how far she has come in her battle with breast cancer and the grace with which she has done so. Just to see Molly brought such joy to my heart and to the hearts of all those gathered together. And it was wonderful to see some additional ACE faces as well - all the way from South Bend, no less!
#teammollypowers #hitmewithyourbreastshot
I didn't stay too late at yesterday's gathering - after all, it had been a full day (not to mention a full week with all the Advent stuff) at school, and I was pretty tired. While I had crawled into bed around 10:30 and had fallen asleep fairly quickly, the alarm clock was still not what I wanted to hear this morning. After only a few snoozes of the alarm, I got up and got ready to go for a run. Though it was, admittedly, bitterly cold at times, it was peaceful and beautiful, as a light dusting of snow had covered most everything overnight. The sun even decided to peek out from the clouds as I rounded the curve to Navy Pier. Other bonuses included seeing a handful of running groups and fellow runners on the path as well as getting the chance to hear live classical music in Navy Pier when I stopped in to warm up for a few minutes.
What a great day!...and it's not even noon yet...
Monday, December 4, 2017
Love and Joy Made Manifest
As a teacher you can be strategic about a few things...especially field trips. The students at my school were long overdue for a visit up to Misericordia, an amazing home and facility for people with developmental and physical disabilities, so I worked with the eighth grade religion teacher and other service club moderator to plan this trip. We were looking forward to this day for a long time...and it finally arrived!
It's hard to put your finger on it, but there's something incredibly special about this place. Love and joy are expressed tangibly through the interactions of the staff with each other and with the residents and with guests such as ourselves. We watched a brief film about the services and facilities provided for residents before getting a tour around the grounds, in the bakery, by the coffee-packaging, and to the art studio (where they told us to look up this amazing video about their rhino art project with the zoo). We ended our morning there with a visit from the executive director, who also happens to be the great aunt of one of our eighth graders.
The bus ride back was rather loud, as you can probably guess if you know anything about middle school students, but I was able to get some time to think to myself, sitting towards the back amidst the students but in my own seat by the window. And I couldn't help but think about all we heard and saw. When I think of places that make a difference, Misericordia is up at the top without a doubt. It is a living and breathing example of Catholic Social Teaching, which calls us to care for the (poor and) vulnerable. And the staff carry this out with such love and grace.
It's so easy to get swept up in our day to day - we tend to worry about things that, in the grand scheme of life, do not really matter. Trips to places like Misericordia put life in perspective. We (and I include myself very much in this blanket statement) take so much for granted - walking, dressing, working, etc. but the residents and staff at Misericordia do not. Everything is a gift in their eyes, and it rightly should be in our eyes as well. All life has value and worth, even if society places more value on some types of people over others. Our city is so blessed with this wonderful place, and our school is so lucky to be connected with it (in a small way) too.
If you live in or near the Chicago area, I highly recommend you take yourself up there for a field trip. (They are always looking for volunteers.) If you are reading this from a more distant location, at least check out their online store - I highly recommend the bakery section...
It's hard to put your finger on it, but there's something incredibly special about this place. Love and joy are expressed tangibly through the interactions of the staff with each other and with the residents and with guests such as ourselves. We watched a brief film about the services and facilities provided for residents before getting a tour around the grounds, in the bakery, by the coffee-packaging, and to the art studio (where they told us to look up this amazing video about their rhino art project with the zoo). We ended our morning there with a visit from the executive director, who also happens to be the great aunt of one of our eighth graders.
The bus ride back was rather loud, as you can probably guess if you know anything about middle school students, but I was able to get some time to think to myself, sitting towards the back amidst the students but in my own seat by the window. And I couldn't help but think about all we heard and saw. When I think of places that make a difference, Misericordia is up at the top without a doubt. It is a living and breathing example of Catholic Social Teaching, which calls us to care for the (poor and) vulnerable. And the staff carry this out with such love and grace.
It's so easy to get swept up in our day to day - we tend to worry about things that, in the grand scheme of life, do not really matter. Trips to places like Misericordia put life in perspective. We (and I include myself very much in this blanket statement) take so much for granted - walking, dressing, working, etc. but the residents and staff at Misericordia do not. Everything is a gift in their eyes, and it rightly should be in our eyes as well. All life has value and worth, even if society places more value on some types of people over others. Our city is so blessed with this wonderful place, and our school is so lucky to be connected with it (in a small way) too.
If you live in or near the Chicago area, I highly recommend you take yourself up there for a field trip. (They are always looking for volunteers.) If you are reading this from a more distant location, at least check out their online store - I highly recommend the bakery section...
Sunday, December 3, 2017
'Tis a Gift to be Simple
It's simple...and yet, at the same time, it's not: Jesus commands us to love one another and to love Him.
It seems like it should be so easy. But throughout the Bible (which I've been looking at even more closely recently as I study the Old Testament with my 6th graders), throughout history, and in our present age, there is much hatred and indifference. And I'm not saying I'm not guilty of it; I most assuredly am - I turn a blind eye to the suffering of those in other countries and even right on my street corner just the same as the next person.
But God is there saying, "Love me," "Look at me," "See me." How do I choose to respond?
This time of year is so busy for everyone - Christmas concerts, holiday shopping, get-togethers, final exams... It's almost impossible not to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of the season. But we have to stop; otherwise, we miss the point of Advent, this beautiful season of preparation. Advent calls us back to Jesus' simple message of love.
While not traditionally considered an Advent or Christmas song (though I have seen it on a few Christmas albums), perhaps "What a Wonderful World" should be. The beauty of this song (in my humble opinion) lies in the gift of being able to stand in awe of the creation and people around us, not over-complicating things or thinking we don't have enough; its beauty lies in recognizing Christ in our world, in one another, and in ourselves. It's that simple.
It seems like it should be so easy. But throughout the Bible (which I've been looking at even more closely recently as I study the Old Testament with my 6th graders), throughout history, and in our present age, there is much hatred and indifference. And I'm not saying I'm not guilty of it; I most assuredly am - I turn a blind eye to the suffering of those in other countries and even right on my street corner just the same as the next person.
But God is there saying, "Love me," "Look at me," "See me." How do I choose to respond?
This time of year is so busy for everyone - Christmas concerts, holiday shopping, get-togethers, final exams... It's almost impossible not to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of the season. But we have to stop; otherwise, we miss the point of Advent, this beautiful season of preparation. Advent calls us back to Jesus' simple message of love.
While not traditionally considered an Advent or Christmas song (though I have seen it on a few Christmas albums), perhaps "What a Wonderful World" should be. The beauty of this song (in my humble opinion) lies in the gift of being able to stand in awe of the creation and people around us, not over-complicating things or thinking we don't have enough; its beauty lies in recognizing Christ in our world, in one another, and in ourselves. It's that simple.
Advent is the perfect season to strip away all of the extras, the noise, and the busyness of our lives in order to make room in our hearts and minds for God. I would argue that only then are we able to realize what a gift we have and what a gift we are as children of God. And it is then that we can simply rest in God's presence with hearts full of gratitude and love.
May God's blessings be upon all of us and our loved ones this Advent and Christmas season.
Saturday, December 2, 2017
It's beginning to look a lot like...Advent!
The coming of Advent means a few things for me:
1. Wear green...for next week I wear purple.
It started out as a bit of a joke, but then I thought, hey, why not? I bet I have enough green to wear it to school every day this week to finish out this liturgical season in style. And so I did. Some of the kiddos caught on, even taking time to wish me happy end to Ordinary Time on Friday afternoon. (Sometimes you just have to bring your own fun.)
Don we now our green apparel...fa la la la la...
 |
| Day 1 |
 |
| Day 2 |
 |
| Day 3 |
 |
| Day 4 |
 |
| Day 5 |
2. Finish Marian morning devotions book...and get ready to start the Advent Saint reflections book on Sunday.
The timing of this book was perfect, and I recommend it for everyone, men and women alike. It's simple...and that's what is so beautiful about it. The book reflects on a different attribute or desire of Mary in each chapter (4-5 pages), and it covers the span of one month (31 days). What was extra special for me is that it focused on some of the Marian apparitions, which I had just been teaching my students about. Talk about timing!
3. Spend time in meditation and silence to make some extra room for God.
I am so grateful for the invitation to attend a Taize prayer service out west of the city this past Friday. It was just what I needed - it was a chance to take a step back and just sit in God's presence. While I had heard most of the songs before, even the ones new to me were easy to follow. Silence. Music. Mmm...
At one point they invited the children and teens to light their candles, and they then walked down the aisles and passed the light on to everyone in the church. During the psalm and alleluia, we raised our candles - it was a sight to behold. Later on, we brought our candles to the front in a procession. It was absolutely wonderful.
4. Get my iPhone ready...
I have only had a smartphone for a little over two years. Yet, in those two years, I am afraid that I have become somewhat dependent on my email. So, I wanted to challenge myself this Advent to remove its easy access and, therefore, delete the app from my phone. I did a dry run yesterday, and let me tell you, it's hard! But I think that's just the point. I don't need my email to be at my fingertips - everything can wait, even though society wants us to think this is not the case. The hope is that with less focus on my phone I can put more focus on God.
5. Open the Christmas presents I bought for myself...and start planning next summer's road trip!
I was practically giggling with excitement upon opening my new Camelbak and my hiking boots, though my hiking boots still had the protection tag on them. (Sad day.) This summer I am looking to drive with my friend out west again but to some different national parks, having previously been to the Badlands, the Black Hills, Devil's Tower, Teddy Roosevelt National Park, and Mount Rushmore. Because we'll be hiking and camping, these items seemed like wise purchases (especially since I had a gift card to Dick's Sporting Goods).
 |
| protection tag...womp womp... |
Yes indeed. It's beginning to look a lot like Advent. In fact, I am shortly off to the Christkindlmarket and then to a Christmas high tea with the ND women's connect group. Let's kick off this holiday season! Have a blessed Advent!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)