Love One Another - 4/9/20

"Love One Another"
Poem of the Day - 4/9/20
Audio Version of Today's Poem

Love one another
This is Jesus' command
On the surface so simple
Still, hard to understand

For what does love look like?
It's more than "playing nice"
And what does love sound like?
Just kind words won't suffice

It goes so much deeper
Requiring sacrifice, at times loss
As in the prayer by St Ignatius -
Give, and don't count the cost

Do not leave out forgiveness
Perhaps that's most important of all
Reconciling with our neighbor
Instead of putting up a wall

To love is to be vulnerable,
That's what CS Lewis states
To do this he assures us
Our hearts surely will break

Yet, this is what we're called to
Jesus gave us this command
On the surface so simple
Still, hard to understand

"Nothing for Granted" - April 3, 2020

"Nothing for Granted"
Poem of the Day - 4/3/20
Audio Version of Today's Poem

Take nothing for granted -
It seemed so cliche
Yet today in our world
This phrase has its own way
Of making us stop
And ponder the gifts
That God's granted each person
Till our spirits it lifts

Holidays spent with family
Long commutes daily to school
Constantly nagging our students
To just follow the rules
Simple interactions and things
Were part of the daily grind
To live in a world without them -
The reality ne'er crossed my mind

So, where does it leave us?
What can possibly be done
To find hope in the present
And have, dare I say, fun?
Gratitude's good for starters
To offer up in prayer
So that our perspectives widen
And of God's love we're aware

April 2 Poem of the Day

"Social Distancing 2020"
Poem of the Day - 4/2/20
Audio Version of Today's Poem

"Social Distancing" -

Webster's 2020 'word of the year,'

Mark my words

No pun intended...

Ok, maybe so.

You got me.

I feel helpless

Because I can't do

Anything -

Yet, 

Apparently,

That's what we all need to do.

Nothing.

What has it come to mean?

A little bit of work

And a whole lotta Netflix.

(Well, I don't have Netflix,

But you get the idea.)

Not exactly what I had in mind for April.

I'm pretty sure no one thought

We'd

Be

Here.

Alone.

But enough with the pity parties.

We're called to make sacrifices.

Yes, it's a sacrifice.

And many of us

Are in positions where we can do just that -

positions of privilege.

As in, I still have my job.

I still can pay my rent -

Even if I am going a little stir crazy

All cooped up in my apartment.

But I have family and friends who check in on me.

(Virtually-speaking)

Our sacrifice is so small

Compared to those on the front lines -

To doctors, nurses, police

To firefighters and city workers.

Our sacrifice means everything for them -

To keep them safe

And to bring them home each day

To their own loved ones.

Maybe it's not the sacrifice that's the hardest.

Maybe, instead, it's the

Not

Knowing

When

It

Will

End.

So, what do we do?

The only things we can do -

Trust.

Reach out.

Stay home.

Love.

Yes, that's it. Love.

A whole lotta love

For our world in need.

Make Me Alive

There are very few things (aside from my faith and time in nature) that make me come alive like seeing quality theater, especially plays that are of the musical genre.

(Good thing I live in Chicago. 😂)

This past week I saw two shows - one was new to me (and part of the Broadway in Chicago subscription), and one was an old favorite (the lyrics and lines of which I have nearly 100% memorized from so many movie viewings). Both were spectacular.

"Come From Away" is based on the events directly following the 9/11 plane crashes, when the American air space was closed down, and planes between America and other countries had to be rerouted and landed. One such landing space was in Gander, Newfoundland. The play follows the townspeople and one set of passengers over the several days following September 11, and it's a testament to the human spirit. There are parts so poignant and other parts that make you belly laugh. The music was lively - my favorite song was "You'll Be a Newfoundlander." (Maybe it helps that I actually know someone from Newfoundland.) Just brilliant.

And then there's the classic: "The Music Man."

Oh, there's nothing halfway about the Iowa way to greet you, when we greet you, which we may not do at all...

This particular production was staged in a fresh way - the sets were done with some awesome perspective choices, and the choreography was spectacular - the dancers made good use of the whole stage. Professor Harold Hill was quite charming, Mrs. Paroo was quite Irish, and Winthrop had the stutter down perfectly. The play hit all the right notes for me, and it took every ounce of will power in my body not to sing and speak right along with the actors on the stage.

So, aside from the necessities of daily living, I do spend quite a bit on the theater (though, we always try to get the cheaper tickets, even if it means sitting up in the balcony). But it's worth it because it fills my cup and brings a smile to my face. And that helps me be ready to face another day.

Sacrifices Are Worth It

"I don't mind it because I get to come to work here."

While these were words uttered by a fellow faculty member about his commute from the north side of the city to our school on a daily basis, those words could have just as easily have been mine. It's usually frustrating at least a few (or most) times a week, and it can be rather taxing/stressful when you have to be somewhere else in a relatively quick fashion, but the bottom line is it's worth it because I love where I live and I love where I work.

Life is full of sacrifices - they come with the territory. A these sacrifices are usually for a greater good, for something we (or a loved one) need(s)/want(s) more, to do something for someone else...

I think about one of our teachers who, with less than one month of school left, had to move across the country to take care of her mom who has Alzheimer's and who was also recently diagnosed with cancer. She didn't want to leave her students or colleagues at that point in the year, but her mom and family needed her. And she realized the sacrifice she felt called to make.

I think about my mom (and any working parent) who gave up practicing law (though she still keeps up her credits) to stay at home and take care of me and my sister when we were born. Now she spends her time as a classroom teaching assistant and volunteer at the school from which we graduated. When I look at her, she seems fulfilled, but it still was a huge sacrifice.

I think about a lot of other people too... 

• of our military men & women who put themselves on the line daily to protect our country and our freedom;
• of friends who have spent countless hours (and $$) on flights and car trips across the country (or even just a few states) to try to make the whole long-distance dating thing work out;
• of parents who have taken on a second job to pay for day care or (Catholic) school;
• of those who volunteer their time with their church, as a tutor, or with any other organization;
• of teachers who spend their own money (as well as time) to get their students the books and resources they deserve.

The list goes on because, again, sacrifice (big and small) is part of life, a part of (almost) every decision. Sacrifices make us a part of something bigger than ourselves - they connect us to our families, friends, coworkers, and even sometimes complete strangers. And sacrifices have the potential to remind us of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice - His own life on the cross. And it doesn't get any better than that.

Have a beautiful Memorial Day weekend!

(So...I'll admit that sometimes when I write, my posts take a turn I don't expect or plan from the outset. Today was one such occasion. I opened a blank page with the intention of writing about what I love about my job and how that outweighs the commute, but my mind and fingers took me elsewhere. Funny how that works sometimes... Thanks for bearing with me!)

Cha-, cha-, cha-, changes

I don't believe I've ever heard someone admit that he/she likes change. Change is hard. Frankly, change often sucks.

Back in ACE, I found myself getting sick when my two years with my five housemates was coming to a close. I'm pretty sure I lost at least 5 pounds and definitely could not enjoy most foods for a three-week period. People told me I had Chron's Disease or that I needed to go to the doctor. My dad was the one who turned out to be right - I was bringing it on myself. (It's kind of scary to realize that my mind has that much power over my bodily functions.)

In retrospect, I was nervous that I was going to lose touch with my friends after being so close for 2 years. (Let's face it - and my friends will tell you - I'm terrible at keeping in touch...except for birthday and Christmas cards.) I had gotten comfortable with the way things were, and I hated the idea of the unknown. But it was going to come no matter what - life doesn't have a pause button. (Sometimes wouldn't it be great if it did?)

As we come to the end of yet another school year, change is inevitable. Faculty members are retiring. Friends are moving away. Members of various teams I'm on or groups I'm a part of are packing their bags. And it's time to say goodbye...which gets harder to do each time I see these people because soon they'll be out of Chicago.

I'm so grateful that Chicago is a city where people come to stay, at least for awhile. But it's hard being the one who's left behind, as certain events or places will often bring back memories of times spent with friends. In the grand scheme of life, though, we're all just passing through. And even though certain friends may go, there are always opportunities to make new friendships and reconnect with old ones. There's always an excuse to pick up the phone (which I need to get better about!) to call and catch up - people are literally just a phone call away.

So yes, there will inevitably be tears over the coming weeks. But I am hopeful for what change will bring for this upcoming year too.

I will run the rACE

March is a long month with no spring break. Just throwing that out there.

Luckily for me, I had a perfect get-away: the annual ACE marathon. In and of itself, anything ACE-related usually proves a pretty good time. Couple that with the backdrop of Oakland, CA (and the fact that a handful of friends live there/nearby), and I was golden.

I don't think my heart could have been any happier. (You can ask my sister - I was literally jumping up and down at some points with joy.)

I have been so fortunate in regards to my health (especially in being able to run with plantar fasciitis) and with the support and prayers of my family, friends, and coworkers. I was extremely sad to leave Oakland and the people there, it's true; yet, I am now filled with what I believe I need to get me to spring break. And for that I am extremely grateful. We all need to take time to refresh and hit the pause button...sometimes we don't realize just how much we need it until that time is upon us.

For good measure, here are some pictures from the weekend - fair warning: there are a lot, so I'll leave you to it. :)

Even though our flight was initially cancelled, we adapted and made it to Oakland!

Ended up bunking at the ACErs' house/convent one night - they weren't messing around. They were ready for the crowd!

We stayed right near Old Oakland...and they had a farmers' market and umbrellas.

Made it to daily Mass at Cathedral of Christ the Light - beautiful church!

This is not a hologram - it's made from the natural light. So cool!

We carbed up...while making sure we were meat-free on Friday :)

We wandered around Lake Merritt and found lots of neat little places to visit, such as the Bonzai Garden.

You bet we run this town!

Per a recommendation on Atlas Obscura...

One of my classmates came to visit on Friday night!

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

The weather was unreal - even though it was a little on the warmer side by the time the marathon rolled around, we couldn't have asked for better weather!

ACE housemates and classroom neighbors, carpool buddies, etc. (Basically this guy is the brother I never had and it was SO good to see him!)

Twins with matching shoes...that happened.

Go ACE, go!

26.2 miles later - woo hoo!

Made the choice to walk around San Francisco post-marathon - we were able to stretch the legs, but holy cow were there some steep inclines we walked up and down.

More RLP love!

The answer is ice cream. Always ice cream.

Bay Bridge from afar

Golden Gate Bridge (up close) - it was such a perfect sunset!

Scored some serious leg room on the way home (after our plane made a stop in Seattle).

These ACE people made my heart very happy - together the team raised over $10,000 for the ACE school this year. What troopers! And so much joy!!

Learning to die, learning to live

Birthdays are much more exciting when you're younger, aren't they? 8 going on 9, 12 going on 13, 20 going on 21... those are some milestones! And what kid doesn't love (ice cream) cake and presents?

32 going on 33? Not so much.

At some point, though I'm not sure when, it just starts feeling like another day, another year ticking by. It really makes me think of "When Harry Met Sally":

It's birthdays, holidays, and family celebrations (i.e. weddings, funerals, reunions) that make me wonder what I'm doing with my life. And I don't mean that in any kind of "whoa is me" sentimentality; I mean it in the "have I been doing enough with my life?" way...

I've been using the "Memento Mori" daily Lenten journal, which requires the user to pause and think, even if just so slightly, about mortality and life's purpose. In light of this, I can't help also thinking about Tuesdays with Morrie, which is one of my go-tos in terms of reflecting on death:

Now, I don't mean to be morbid, but it's helpful (at least for myself) to think along the lines of this: If I die today...

• will I have done the best I could and strived for sainthood?
• will I have told family and friends that I love them?
• will I have left a grudge or broken relationship unmended?
• will I have helped lessen the burdens of others, brought others to Christ, and/or lived the works of mercy?
• will I have left this world a little bit better than I found it?

Death is a hard pill to swallow; it's never easy to say goodbye to a loved one. Reminders pop up from time to time to bring our attention back to a certain person, or we want to run and tell our loved one about something that happened but we can't, or any number of things. And when it's our turn to have others say goodbye to us, the unknown can be frightening. But we have the promise of redemption, of heaven, of something better than we have ever known.

So, as we continue this Lenten season, let us pray that we live our lives each day to the fullest as a way to prepare our hearts and minds for daily deaths to self and our one day death in this life to be born into the next. Amen.

I lost my heart in Arizona...

"You're going to Phoenix."

Arizona? I've never really traveled west of the Mississippi, except for that one trip to Denver.

Who knew that living and teaching in Arizona would change my life?

ACE did.

Where else would I have rallied the students to wear yellow to celebrate Roald Dahl's birthday?...

Or baked 6 giant cookies shaped like Arizona for students to frost to demonstrate knowledge of the different geographical parts of the state?...

Or had parents help me create the magical world of Narnia for our novel read aloud?...

Where would my heart have grown so many sizes because I had fourth graders who were eager to learn, live, love, and pray - students who challenged me to learn and love more?

And had school parents (now friends) who did the same?

Amazingly, the Salesians (the sisters this time) had found their way into my life again. And, we had Holy Cross priests too. It was the best of all worlds. And it was mine to be a part of for three years. Leaving SJV was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do because I was ingrained in the community, and my heart belonged to each of the students I had taught (and those in sign language club too).

Thank you, SJV, for supporting me as a first (and second and third) -year teacher. I learned so much from my colleagues and from my students. You helped me develop and polish my craft and gifts. You were an unbelievable home away from home. Thank you for welcoming me into your school and hearts - a piece of my own heart will always be with you.