Roots and Reinvention

Life is an interesting thing.

Now, I understand those are not the most profound words ever written.  However, when we step back to reflect, sometimes the best way to start is to acknowledge the obvious.

One of the few – and maybe the only – constant in our lives here on Earth is change.  Hell, we don’t even know what is going to happen each day when we wake up.  When you think about it, this can be exhilarating, exciting, nerve-wracking, terrifying as well as any other emotion you can conjure up.  All at once.  Every day.  That’s a lot.

The thing about change is the fact that it is constant.  It isn’t going to stop because we want it to.  It is always going to be there, it is always going to happen and if we want to be fulfilled it is up to us to recognize that and embrace it.  Recognize that there is going to be change and embrace it in all aspects of your life. 

Take a moment and think about the change currently going on in your life.  Maybe it is spiritual or professional.  Perhaps it is a milestone birthday and the physical and mental change that comes with that.  Sometimes it is good and other times it is not.  It could be a combination of things.  No matter what it may be, take a moment in quiet to think about it, recognize it and embrace it for what it is.

Now the hard part – How do we go forward from there?

While it is great to recognize, accept and embrace the change for what it is, action is needed on our part to move forward.  There are a variety of ways as well as a variety of words to describe this action – Adjust, Adapt, Acclimate just to name a few.  There is one in particular that I have grown fond of as I have been experiencing it personally in various ways as of late. 

Reinvent.

There are a number of ways one can reinvent themselves when it comes to change.  It may be the sum of subtle modifications over time or it could be taking everything that was once known, tearing it down and going in a different direction entirely.  Personally, I’ve decided to reinvent myself by going back to my roots.  By prioritizing what is truly important in my life, my relationships and my values, I’ve been reinventing myself by taking what I have learned and trying to apply that on both a personal and professional level.  Root Reinvention if you will – it has a nice ring to it.

It’s not always easy and it isn’t supposed to be.  It has taken me more than a few proverbial kicks in the ass to get from Point A to Point B.  However, change IS going to happen, and it IS always going to be constant. 

Life is an interesting thing.

Imagine how much more refreshing – and joyful – it can be if we recognize, embrace and reinvent.

Maps, Detours and Signs

It's been a little while since I've posted, I'll consider it a bit of a summer break.  On the other hand, maybe it is a sign that I should be writing a little more often... Hope you enjoy!

Back in the “old days”, people of the world used maps to navigate where they were going.  Opening up a map to plot Point A to Point B was sometimes an adventure unto itself – especially folding it back up into that perfectly creased, multi-page rectangle it once was.  The problem with these maps was they could and would become outdated in a relatively short time frame.  Mr. Rand McNally wouldn’t be able to keep up with new road construction in real time. 

Nowadays, we simply have to punch in an address into a GPS or phone without doing much research and we are on our way.  As far as we’ve come, however, some times those devices are not updated either.  In fact, sometimes those GPS systems can be flat out wrong.

“I would have been here a half-hour ago, but my GPS took me down a dirt road, through a cornfield, past a circus tent and I had to stop to get directions,” said just about everyone I know at some point in their lives.

Thankfully, when confronted with situations such as this, there are signs along the way.  If we are cognizant of them, we can and will arrive at our destination safely.  To be successful though, it is imperative that we pay attention to the signs or else we can easily get lost. 

I believe life is like that as well.

There are times in life when we know where we are going and exactly how to get there.  More often than not, we think we know where we are headed but we run into detours or even roadblocks along the way.  If we do not pay attention to the signs, it can be very easy to get off course or even lost. 

Sometimes these signs are big, clear and easy to read.  RIGHT TURN ONLY or DO NOT ENTER come to mind in both a literal and figurative sense.  In my experience, the type of signs that we must pay attention to are much more subtle the majority of the time.  If we want to see them, we need to look for them.  By staying in the moment, being aware of our surroundings and taking time for personal reflection, these signs can and will come into focus.  It’s not always easy, but if we take the time to look hard enough, they will reveal themselves. 

Everyone needs help along the way, just like we have all asked for directions in this journey.  Personally, I believe in someone much bigger than myself and I try to ask Him for help when I do veer off course or get lost. 

An Ultimate Tour Guide if you will.

While asking is great, ultimately it is our responsibility to dig deep and look for those signs, both inwardly and outwardly.  The next step – the action to follow the signs revealed to us – then falls directly on our shoulders. 

This can and will be tough at times.  In fact, at times it will simply suck – even more than having to take a long detour.  Much like a detour, this will also take faith, patience and trust along the way. 

Detour signs are put out for a reason – to get us to our destination safely.  These “Life Signs” will do the same.

We just need to look for them and follow them along the way.

A Wonderful Thing

A wonderful thing happened to me today.

I woke up.

I don’t have a disease nor any type of sickness that would prevent this, thanks be to God.  However, it is a gift to be able to wake up and use the day to find joy, serve others and strive to be the best that I can be.  It is a chance to find the face of Christ in others and – God willing – have others find the face of Christ in me.

Now, that’s not to say I have a perfect life, far from it.  There simply is no such thing.  What I do have is an opportunity to make today better than yesterday and set the tone for tomorrow, but only if I take that opportunity.  And if you are reading this, YOU have the same opportunity.

Recently, I read a book called Wake Up Happy by Michael Strahan.  It’s been a book that I’ve wanted to read for some time, not only because I’m a New York Giants fan, but mostly because I admire his work ethic, determination and his ability to consistently re-invent himself.

One of the points Strahan discusses in his book is about being in the moment.  Not just letting life happen but to truly be present in the moment.  When doing this, we are able to learn from the past, take the information we are given and adjust moving forward.  Waking up each day gives us the ability to try our best to be present in the moment.

It sounds great on paper, in real life not so much.  Being more present, as with all things in this game of life, is about progress and not perfection.  If we attempt to commit to it every morning – when we wake up – before too long, a habit is formed.  A good habit of growing personally while helping others around us.  That, my friends, is progress.

Some days it won’t be easy and some days you may want to simply sleep the day away.  That is the reality of life.  Every day, especially those tough days, just try to remember that waking up is a gift.  A gift to make a difference in the world in a positive way, a chance to make others smile, an opportunity to truly be present in the moment. 

We woke up today and oh, what a wonderful thing to have happen.

The End or the Journey?

Below is a little something that I wrote recently and I wanted to put it out there to get your thoughts.  Truth be told, I've not posted something like this before so it does make me a bit nervous.  

But hey, what do I have to lose, right?  


The End or the Journey

The break of dawn, sun rises in the east. It’s another day to slay the beast. It’s your choice, smile or frown. Build it up or tear it down. 

Is the answer the end or is the question the journey? Where does one put their fire and fury? The road we all travel has some turns. Don’t watch it fall down, don’t let it burn. 

The day goes on, now it’s noon. The choice is joy or the choice is gloom. There are options at hand, make the decision.  Time to think and think with precision. 

No better time than now to really begin. To let go of that sin and try to win. The choice is the journey with a smile, knowing it’s ok if it takes awhile. 

Is the answer the end or is the question the journey? Where does one put their fire and fury? The road we all travel has some turns. Don’t watch it fall down, don’t let it burn. 

Sun sets in the West, accept mediocrity or expect the best. Today is

the day to make your choice. Not to be silent but to have a voice.

Is the answer the end or is the question the journey? Where does one put their fire and fury? The road we all travel has some turns. Don’t watch it fall down, don’t let it burn.

Head rests on a pillow, the day is complete. There’s some trips but it’s not a defeat. The sun rises in the east tomorrow morn. Again, the journey begins, and we are reborn. 

The answer and the end are out in the distance - enjoy the question, the journey is your existence.  The sun rises in the east tomorrow morn.  The journey begins, and we are reborn.

Is the answer the end or is the question the journey? Where does one put their fire and fury? The road we all travel has some turns. Don’t watch it fall down, don’t let it burn.

Night to Shine

You really had to be there to experience it, my words certainly won’t do the night justice.  Hopefully, I can get across just a bit of the wonder of the evening.

On February 9, 2018, the church my family and I attend – St. Pius X in Greensboro, NC – was one of more than 540 churches from across the world to host A Night to Shine.  The Tim Tebow Foundation sponsors this amazing event which is a prom night experience for people with special needs.  My family was privileged to volunteer for the event.  My wife helped the women do their makeup, my oldest son served and mingled with caretakers and parents of the guests while my youngest son and I had the privilege of being a “buddy” to one of the guests attending the event.

From the second the guests were welcomed by our volunteers to the end of the night, keeping emotions in check was difficult to say the least. The absolute, unequivocal pure joy of the guests was indescribable.  And it was contagious.  Not in a flu-season contagious type of way, but in a “I wish I could bottle this feeling and pass it on” type of way. 

 

The dancing from the guests was also contagious.  Now, I’d like to think that I have some pretty slick dance moves coming from a mother that taught dancing for years.  My wife may disagree with me.  That said, you couldn’t help but get your groove on because the dance floor was hot!  Dancing with the Stars could have filmed an entire season in just two hours that night.  And every single one of the guests were Stars. 

Tim Tebow and his foundation got it right when they named the event Night to Shine.  Each of the guests, volunteers and churches had the chance to shine that night and shine they did.  However, those weren’t the only things that were shining that night.  Faith, hope and love were shining.  In short, Christ was shining that night. 

I met a lot of shining stars that evening, but there was one person in particular that touched my heart.

Night to Shine is where I met Nathan. 

Together, Nathan and I ate, danced, smiled and laughed.  He had a way of reminding me to see the joy in all things both big and small.  I saw Christ in the faces of each guest that night.  There is no other way to describe it but pure joy and love.

I not only saw Christ in the face of Nathan, I had the honor and privilege of experiencing it firsthand.  

I started the night as Nathan’s “buddy”. 

By the end of the night and now each day moving forward, I am blessed to be Nathan’s friend.   

Attitude, Gratitude and a Little Miracle

“Have an attitude of gratitude.”

-          Thomas Monson

A noble thought indeed, and I would go so far as to say it can be used as a mantra for life.  The thing is though, it’s not always easy.  In fact, sometimes it can be downright difficult because life can be hard.  Real damn hard sometimes. 

There’s a little secret about that though – it’s okay.  It’s okay to feel like it is a struggle to be grateful at times.  Life is not always roses and unicorns, and sometimes it is simply the effort of being grateful that counts most. 

And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

One of the things that I’ve personally learned recently is to try to be grateful for those things which you may not even like at the time.  For me, that’s not always easy, especially when it is something that I don’t want.  Many times, what I want versus what I need are two different things and while I think I may know the difference, that’s not always the case. 

I do have faith that there is One that knows that difference and He will always provide me with what I need, even if I don’t recognize it at the time.

For that, I am grateful. 

If you are having trouble, remember that it is okay.  Start small.  Maybe before you lay your head on your pillow at night, find just one thing to be grateful for throughout that day.  Over time, try to find three, or five.  It doesn’t have to be big, keep it simple, keep it small.  Little miracles count just as much as big miracles.

In the end, no matter how the chips may be falling at the time, if you put forth your best effort to be grateful for what you have and who you are, the more things you will find to be grateful for.

And that is the true miracle.

One more

The other night, I had the opportunity to watch a fantastic movie with my son called Hacksaw Ridge.  While the movie was fantastic, it was even better because of the time spent with Emerson.

The film was set during World War II in the Pacific Theater where Allies were attempting to take over a ridge to move forward to Okinawa against the Japanese. 

Based on true events, the main character of the movie, Desmond Doss, was a conscientious objector that would not bear arms but served his country as a medic during the horrific battle.  The focus tells the story of how Doss risked his life to save many others all while holding to his beliefs.  (There are no spoilers in this blog)!

In particular, there is one line spoken by Doss that I’ve been thinking about. 

“Lord, help me get one more.”

Doss prays this multiple times as guidance and protection to help him save one more life on Hacksaw Ridge.  He ends up getting about 75 more.  While many of us may never be faced with this type of life and death situation, the meaning can ring true in our daily lives.

Maybe it isn’t as drastic as saving a life, maybe it can be.  Perhaps it is “Lord, let me help one person today,” or “Lord, let me see Christ in one person today.”  It could even be “Lord, let one person see Christ in me today.”

Saying this is easy.  Living it can be a different matter entirely, especially with all the negativity in the world.  It can be easier to do nothing.  

However, if we could just get one more each day, wouldn’t our lives and the lives of those around us be in a better place?  Not five, ten or twenty but just one more. 

And maybe, just maybe, that one more that you help today will save them from their own personal Hacksaw Ridge.

Life is like a box of chocolates... Sort of

Forrest Gump was partially correct when he uttered those famous words – “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”  The detail that Mr. Gump neglected to let us know however, is sometimes you get one of those chocolates and it isn’t exactly the surprise you were hoping for.

It hasn’t been the easiest of days as of late.  It is a very difficult thing to have to look in the mirror regarding mistakes that have been made and while it is necessary for all of us to do, so we can learn and grow, it certainly does not make the exercise any less difficult.

Life is going to be easy, said no one ever.  The fact of the matter is, we are all dealing with something.  What is small to one person may be big to another.  At the end of the day, everyone is dealing with something because no one on this earth is perfect.  The fact that we all struggle at times – fairly or unfairly -  is simply a part of life. 

Consider being the hand that reaches out to someone in need, whether you know that individual’s situation or not.  What you consider small may be something very big to another person.  In my experience, I’ve come to find that most times it helps me even more than the person I’m attempting to help.  These are the things that help build His kingdom here on earth. 

Do your best to have fun along the way and keep trying those chocolates in the box from time to time, even if you get one you don’t like.  That’s called life. 

Because if you keep trying, sooner or later, you’re going to find that one chocolate that is just your taste.

Tasks, Elephants and Lunches

Have you ever felt like you know a task must be tackled, but you’re just not sure where to begin?

Maybe the task is a big one – an important presentation at work say.  Perhaps it is not as big but still needs to get done, like mowing the lawn.  The task could even be a necessary evil such as making lunches for your children so they can eat at school the next day (making lunches – the bane of my existence).

The situation can get murkier when multiple tasks need to get accomplished.  The circumstances can get even more daunting when you don’t know where one starts and the other ends.  Before you know it, your head feels like it is going to explode! It begs the question…

How does one eat an elephant?!?!

The simple answer – one bite at a time.

We, as human beings, have the uncanny ability to make ourselves feel bad about ourselves when we don’t get everything done RIGHTNOW.  Part of it is societal nature with a never-ending news cycle, part of it is the constant demand of social media posts and buzzing phones, but I’d venture to say most of it is just human nature – people being people.

To keep our heads from spinning constantly, it is imperative to find time to take a break every so often.  And if we can’t find time to take a break, we must make time to rest.  Even the good Lord rested when He created the universe and well, if it is good enough for Him then it is for sure good enough for us.

Be careful not to confuse peace with boredom lest that guilty feeling of not getting everything done can quickly creep back in.  We have heard all of them before - “Stop and smell the roses”; “Life is a journey, not a destination”; “Take a step back”.  There’s a reason people came up with quotes like this.

So, don’t forget to take a break occasionally.  Find joy in both the little and big things.  We only get one shot at life and not only is it important, it is healthy.

Besides, that’s what they make lunch money for.

Mistakes, Growth and Cookbooks

I’ve heard it said the greatest cooks in the world have made the most mistakes at their craft.

If that is the case, I must be Julia Child.

Last week, I wrote a bit on forgiveness.  Quite often, the prerequisite for forgiveness is a mistake, but there is a wonderful opportunity for growth when a mistake is made.  The key is to take action to learn from the mistake and grow from it.

I can own the best cookbook ever written.  But if I never open it up and learn it….. Well, I’m still going to be hungry. 

A friend of mine once told me that it isn’t a mistake the first time, it is a learning experience.  I’ll take it a step further because some of us can be a bit hard-headed every so often.  We may even make the same mistake multiple times before we fully learn the lesson.  However, if we are trying to take action and the learning process begins to take place, we are headed in the right direction.

Sometimes, it takes a few tries with a recipe to get it right.  Truth be told, there may be some recipes that we continually trip over time and again.  That’s okay though, as long as we are still trying to learn from the mistakes and are still in the kitchen trying our best. 

Thankfully, we are and always will be but a Sous Chef.  The Master Chef is lovingly watching over us, teaching us, guiding us.  He gives us the ingredients, recipes and tools to get it right no matter how long it takes because the Master Chef knows we will all make mistakes and is patient.  He gives us the cookbook.

It’s up to us to open it.

Forgiveness

To forgive means taking a person as they are – strengths and flaws. 

It means not clinging to past hurts or resentments caused by someone. 

It is about accepting the imperfections of a person.

Forgiveness can be hard.

To be able to truly forgive, however, you must forgive yourself first. 

To forgive means taking me as I am – strengths and flaws.

It means not clinging to the past hurts or resentments I’ve caused someone.

It is about accepting my imperfections.

Takes a bit of a different tone, doesn’t it?  Forgiveness can be hard, really hard.  The best things in life never come easy.  However, there are few things more beautiful and few ways to live more peacefully than to be able to give and receive forgiveness. 

To give forgiveness, you must know forgiveness and to know forgiveness, you must accept it yourself, from yourself first.

There is only One person that has ever walked this Earth that has had no imperfections and although people have tried to play that role throughout history – including all of us in some way – no one ever has or ever will come close.  Yet the One with no imperfections is constantly forgiving us. 

Take some time to forgive today.  Start with yourself, even if it is something small to begin with. 

Besides, it is arrogant of us not to forgive ourselves when God already has.

Mountains and Valleys

To climb a mountain, you must start in a valley. 

I’ve been in a valley lately, but I’m alright with it.

Simply put, life is like that.  Cliché, yes, yet true at the same time. 

I had a very good friend say to me just the other day –

“Better is always good.  Without the worst, we wouldn’t know better.”

I truly believe that and I also believe that God has us exactly where we need to be, because God doesn’t make mistakes.  Sometimes, that takes a lot of faith and even questioning, but that’s okay.  I’ve also come to find through this journey that what we want and what we need are often two entirely different things.  It may take some time to recognize this, but He knows what He is doing.

It’s when I think I have all the answers that I find myself trying to dig deeper in the valley as opposed to trying to begin to ascend the mountain.  I’ve found it better to throw away the shovel, let go and let God. 

No one can climb a mountain alone.  Friends, teammates and a support system are a must.  Sometimes, those people are more than willing and even want to be there but don’t even realize you are trying to climb.  It’s important – imperative even – to ask for help along the way.  Sure, it can be scary and it may even take swallowing some pride.  Never feel bad about asking for help, because no one can do it by themselves.   

I’ve been in a valley lately, but it’s okay because I’m looking up at the mountain and beginning to climb.  There are some amazing friends and family that are latched on and ready to climb with me.  Plus, I’ve got the best guide of all in God leading the way. 

And if there is anyone that needs any help out there, don’t be afraid.  Just ask. 

We can climb together.

Impressions

Every day we have the opportunity to touch people that we come across in our lives.  Some of these people are in our lives on a daily basis, some we see every now and again while others we may meet once never to see them a second time.

No matter what category these people fall into, we’ve all been given the chance to touch those people and make a difference in their lives.  We’ve also been given the gift of free will so how we decide to affect others is truly our choice.  Rest assured, no matter who we come in contact with, we will make an impression one way or the other – it’s up to us whether that impression is positive or negative.

Prior to a recent trip, I got my shoes shined up nice and spiffy at the airport.  The gentleman’s name that shines shoes at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina is Horace and if you’ve ever flown out of the US Airways terminal at PTI, I’d put down a pretty good wager that you know who I’m talking about. 

Horace makes an hour and a half commute each day to run his business and help support his family.  He is a great person, does a great job with his work and consistently tells me how blessed he feels that I have become a part of his life - whether I get my shoes shined or not.

I can count on one hand how many times Horace has shined my shoes.  The fact of the matter is that I’m the one who is blessed to have him in my life.

I’m blessed because Horace has a certain way of putting things in perspective.  It is so easy to get caught up in what we have to do the next week, the next day, the next hour that we forget to smile.  From personal experience, I can tell you that Horace doesn’t forget to smile. 

As important as it is to do our best to make a positive impression in lives of other people, no matter how long we may know them, it is just as important to realize the times that people have the same effect on us.  Maybe even more importantly, we need to take the time to be grateful for those encounters.

Horace has taught me a lot in the short time that I’ve known him and I believe we can all learn a few things from him.

-          No matter how many miles you’ve gone in your shoes, there is always room for an extra one

-          It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you do what you can to put your best foot forward

-          Strive to learn something about those that you meet because you may just learn something about yourself

-          Never forget to smile when you talk to people because smiling always brightens someone’s day

If you are ever flying out of PTI in Greensboro and you need your shoes shined, I know the perfect guy for the job. 

You’ll come to find that as great a job as Horace does shining your shoes he’ll do an even better job at shining your soul.

Silver Linings

It’s the Fourth of July weekend and most people seem to have their own ideas as to what that means.  Between Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and every other social network out there that connects people, everyone has their own opinion. 

And that’s a good thing because that’s what makes our country great.

It’s been quite obvious lately that our country has had its own set of issues.  Between the housing market, the stock market, the health care market and the local market downtown, there are people that are not happy.  At the same time, that’s not necessarily bad.

It’s not bad because we have the freedom to make that decision whereas many places in this world don’t get the choice to decide what is best for them.  Unfortunately, as a country, we’ve been focusing on the negatives instead of the silver lining. 

I think it’s about time to find the silver lining and make it happen – one person, one hammer and one nail at a time.

Two weeks ago, there were a group of high school kids that went to Cincinnati from my church.  They went there to help make home repairs for those that otherwise wouldn’t be able to do so.  Some teens also had the opportunity to spend time with disadvantaged youth.  By the end of the week, people’s lives were changed for the better.  Talk about a hammer and nail at a time!  That just doesn’t happen in many other places in this world. 

With all that being said, I bring you a brand new (and probably long overdue) Tidbits from T-Bonz why it’s great to be an American on the Fourth of July.


For Americans, we have the right to express our opinions on various social media networks about our likes and dislikes.  Personally, I think it’s about time we focus on the positive.
Our freedom of religion allows us to go to church anytime we want, anywhere we want and pray to Almighty God in any way we want.
Under our Constitution, we can purchase any type of vehicle.  Whether you have a Chevrolet or not, the new tune is catchy…  Hot Dogs, Baseball, Apple Pie and Chevrolet… (You are lying if you aren’t singing it RIGHT NOW).
Ryan believes that in this country, we all have the opportunity to make today a better day than yesterday.  Even if you just smile at someone you don’t know.  Scientifically, it actually takes more facial muscles to smile than frown contrary to popular belief.  The silver lining – it’s a better workout and who doesn’t want to get healthier?
Thanks.  We can and should give thanks to all of those that have defended our freedom.  Past, Present and Future.
 Heroes give us the ability to enjoy Baseball, Beer and Barbeque on the Fourth of July.

A smile, a positive comment to someone, a good post is all it takes.  One person at a time and we can grab that silver lining.

And there’s No Bonz About That.

Teachers

My favorite teacher retired recently from the profession that he loved. 

Having grown up in a house where education was of utmost importance - in fact it was what kept the house I grew up in paid for - I have great admiration and respect for all teachers.  That being said, I can count (thanks to teachers) on one hand the special ones that have touched me on a deeper level.  The truth is, we all have those kinds of teachers.

For me, there was Mrs. Ramsey in first grade that helped open up my love for writing.  She helped me enter a school wide story contest where I won my first (and probably last) writing award.  I couldn’t forget Mrs. Kehler, one of my high school teachers who helped me discover what it meant personally to be a leader.  However, this piece isn’t necessarily about them.

The teacher I’m referring to taught me educational skills, but more importantly lifetime skills.  I’ve learned from him what working hard, hustling, getting dirty when necessary, taking responsibility for my actions both good and bad, and always giving my best really means.  He’s taught these things not only to me but to probably thousands of others throughout his career.

I’ve just been blessed enough to have him in my life every day.

At first glance, an outsider looking in could see his teaching methods as unconventional.  While books are used, his primary teaching tools have always been wood, leather and dirt.  He’s taken people time and again, rubbed them the right way with the result shining like a diamond, many times shining on the diamond as well. 

This teacher has never wanted nor asked for any accolades or spotlight on him, although it is well-deserved.  Instead, he would always make it about his students, a true sign of a great teacher.

My favorite teacher has always been proud of the ability of his students on the field, but has always been more concerned how his players have conducted themselves and the legacy they have created off the field.

After 42 years in the game, my favorite teacher has retired from the profession he loves.  I could not be happier for him.  He’s taught me and countless others so much about the game of life through the game of baseball.

Dad – I love you and thanks for everything.  I couldn’t be more proud to be your son.

Me, Dad, Mom and Kyle in Baltimore a few years ago

Son-shine

Everyone has times in their life where things aren’t very clear.  Things get messy, foggy and cloudy.  Similarly, Mother Nature does the same thing and JUSTLIKETHAT, Mother Nature makes a clearing in the clouds with a ray of sunshine and even sometimes a rainbow.  Suddenly, everything is crystal clear – no more clouds, no more rain, just sunny skies.  Even if that moment goes away in an instant, the moment happened, the light is there and it shines.  Maybe it’s for a second, maybe it’s for an entire day.

The important thing is we recognize those moments when they do happen.  Perhaps even more importantly, we realize who we are with when the sun breaks through the clouds whether they are with us physically, in spirit or wish they were there in person with us.  I was blessed to have one of those moments recently where everything became transparent.

Being Catholic, First Communion is a major event because of what we believe as a community of faith.  I made my First Communion when I was in second grade and I’d be lying if I said I remembered a lot of it.  I knew it was important, probably because everyone said it was.  As an adult, I understand now what it means.

My ray of light came because I watched my oldest son take his First Communion and I was with some very important people in my life.  Long story short, seeing the process Emerson went through and realizing who I was with made everything come into focus.  

I couldn’t help but think of the scene in A Few Good Men when Jack Nicholson’s character asks Tom Cruise’s character “Am I clear?” and Cruise answers simple, yet poignantly – “Crystal.”  Emerson’s experience, and my experience through him, made everything crystal clear.  

Looking around, I was with family and friends, some Catholic and some not, but all a family in Christ.  Isn’t that what it’s all about though?  The celebration of love with loved ones gathered at His table?

I saw how meaningful it was to my son and I was reminded how meaningful it is for me.  I can’t help but think that’s what God’s plan is.  He wants us to see His Son in others and what better way to do it than having us see Him in our own everyday life, with our own family.

We were blessed with a beautiful, sunny day but even if it was cloudy, His Son shines through the clouds every day.

We just have to look for that Son-shine and we’ll find His rainbow.

Bubbles

Have you ever tried to find the face of Jesus in others? I wish I could say that I do normally, but I'd be a liar if I did. It's something that I want to try and be more aware of doing, but many times it gets lost in the day to day activities of life. To put it plainly, it's really unfortunate. The funny thing is no matter what we do Jesus has a way of putting His face right in front of us. It happened to me today and it happened with bubbles.

Recently, I've had the opportunity to travel to different parts of the country for my job. I've always tried to take in the beauty of our United States in nature, places and things. Although it's been a fantastic experience to meet other people, at times I've found myself wrapped up in where I've needed to go next instead of taking the time to really see what is passing me by. Has that ever happened to you?

I met an amazing young man today - his name is Trevor. He can't walk on his feet, but he goes from place to place on his own, knowing what he wants and where he needs to be. He can't talk using spoken words either.

Jesus talks through him though.

I introduced myself to him today and using and iPad, he said my name. He also told me he wanted to go outside and blow bubbles, so we did.

Trevor and I went out on his deck and we blew bubbles - big ones, small ones, funny shaped ones, you name it. We played together for maybe fifteen minutes. It was by far the best fifteen minutes of my day, not only because we had fun but because he was the teacher and I was the student. What you can learn is amazing if you listen, whether or not words are involved.

In those fifteen minutes, I saw Jesus not only in Trevor, but in his parents. I saw a calling to make the world a better place, not only today but tomorrow and the days looking ahead. There are some very good lessons to be learned here.

Life can get busy - very busy. But think about what's important. Take time to step back and see Him in others. Even more importantly, take a second to realize when He is talking through others. Sometimes - dare I say many times - it can be difficult to do. However, if we can remember to see His face, we might just be able to see Him in ourselves which brings color to our lives. Color that can radiate full circle to everyone around us.

Just like a bubble.

Security Blankets

Recently at an office luncheon, an interesting subject came up - security blankets.

I'm not quite sure how the subject came up, but as we were eating lunch I experienced one of those moments where what I was thinking in my head came out of my mouth. You know the kind that I'm talking about. After you say it, everyone else in the room sort of looks at you with an interesting smile and you see it all happen in slow motion - NOOOO, I DIDN'T SAY THAT OUT LOUD - all the while your internal voice plays in slow motion.

Well, after I admitted to my security blanket one of my colleagues suggested that I write a blog about it. And yes, I was referring to a blanket I received the day I was born, that is now full of rips and holes. As a matter of fact, I don't sleep well without it to this very day. So, here we are.

With that being said, I'll pose the question to you. What is your security blanket? Is it something that is full of holes that you still sleep with? Or is it something that is truly Holy?

Today is Earth Day, a day when we celebrate our planet and try to make it a cleaner place. Is your security blanket having the chance to enjoy a beautiful day and listen to birds sing?

We are also in the midst of Spring - a time where flowers bloom and things come back to life after the dead of winter. Is your security blanket being able to plant a garden, nurture it, see the fruits of your labor and enjoy them with others?

One of my favorite times of year is the beginning of baseball season. I have the chance to play outside with my children, teach them the game like my father did with me and my brother and pass on that knowledge from one generation to the next. Perhaps a certain sport is your security blanket.

With summer right around the corner, many are planning an upcoming vacation with family at the beach, lake or mountains. Vacations with family are times that conjure up nostalgia with the anticipation of making more family memories. Is family your security blanket?

Whatever your security blanket is - and I'm excited to hear about it - we have to remember what makes it all possible, especially on this day, Good Friday.

The Security Blanket where all security blankets come from gave us the Earth to enjoy the birds sing. He made the flowers bloom and came back from the dead. He lives with us every day, from one generation to the next. He is the one that gives us the ability to make more memories if we choose to remember Him. And He is the one that was nailed to a cross for us and was truly Holy.

Difficulties

I am in the midst of writing the most difficult piece I've imagined. It's amazing how one wants to paint a picture, yet the canvas is blank.

Each of us come across a life experience that we pretend to know how to deal with. Yet, when that life experience looks us in the eye, we tend to shy away.

What about those that can't shy away? When we don't say anything at all, do we make it worse or better?

I've come to believe that God writes in wavy lines. We don't really understand how we get from Point A to Point B, but we do get there with grace. Amazing Grace.

We look up to people and we all have heroes. Some of those heroes are untouchable and others are right next to you. When it is all said and done, the grace we are given is really something our mind can't comprehend.

Yet that same grace makes us believe there is something better. For you, for me, for all of us.

As difficult as life may be, rest in the fact that there is something better for us and let grace give us our peace.

Resolution to Commitment

As one calendar year ends and yet another begins, we all start with the best of intentions. And, honestly, what's not to like about starting fresh? We have what we view as a clean slate with 8,760 hours ahead of us to change the world, one day at a time.

Let's be honest with ourselves for a second though. As good as our intentions may be, how often do we truly follow through on our New Year's resolutions? I'm quite sure that there are many that have and do each year. I say kudos to those that have because those are the ones that have really committed to a goal. More often than not, however, we make resolutions and never quite follow through with myself being just as guilty as the next person.

It begs the question - Why do we make resolutions each year to begin with? Do we make them with the intention of following through on them or do we make them to make ourselves feel better?

I believe that people make resolutions because they want to better themselves and want to accomplish their goals. However, throughout our everyday lives it can certainly be difficult to accomplish those goals and it can certainly be easy to forget what they were in the first place.

The key is not to make a resolution, but to make a commitment. Whether it is a commitment to being a better spouse or parent, a commitment to improving your overall health or a commitment to becoming closer to God - if we truly commit to something in our heart and soul, it is much more likely that we accomplish what we set out to do.

As we close the book on one decade and open a new chapter with another, may 2011 bring us all happiness, health and a true commitment to our resolutions.