Many movies are made to inspire us by showing us the strength and incredible endurance of the common man. No one has portrayed this better than Frank Capra. And no film typifies this with such heartwarming lessons as "It's a Wonderful Life", a holiday staple and a treasured movie that makes my top five favorites.
The lesson we get from George Bailey is that no man's life is worthless. Every one of us touches many other lives. But to delve into the story deeper and to analyze Mr. Bailey, we see that George Bailey is hardly the common man. From the beginning of the story we see that George makes ethical choices and gives to others before taking for himself. It's easy to go through life grabbing everything for yourself. Climbing corporate ladders over the backs of those who aren't as cut throat. Discarding those who need a little extra help because they aren't as strong as you. Preying on the weakness of others to build up your own wealth. We read about these people everyday. Mostly when they are on trial or are being sent to jail. We also see these people all around us. The ones who expect the world to turn around them. In reality, it's these people who wouldn't be missed if they were never born because they don't touch lives, they expect lives to touch theirs.
When I watch "It's a Wonderful Life" I think of the old adage "That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger." Most people think that it is a natural progression. It's not. It's a choice. George Bailey made choices to do what is good and right and many others benefited from his kindness. To me, that is the greatest inspiration of the movie. Accepting the hardships of life and using them as tools to strengthening and enriching our lives.
Like the character of George Bailey, I will probably never have buildings named after me, statues or paintings made of me or volumes of books written about me. Instead I will go to my rest knowing that I reached out to those in need. Pulled up those who were down. And made life a little simpler for those who face hardships. It truly is a wonderful life. But only if you make it one!
May the holiday season bless us all with a Wonderful Life!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
The Morality of Freedom
The road to heaven is a path of choices. Choices between right and wrong. Of doing what is good for ones self or what is good for others. The choice to serve God or to wait for God and others to serve you. But these choices cannot be faced if they are taken away, restricted or made for us.
When the Soviet Union loomed over Asia and Europe, the communist regime attempted to portray a Utopian society of equals who relinquished their belief in the final judgment of a creator for a state run benefactor who treated all as equals. Choices were made for those who capitulated. Those who didn't were made to suffer the consequences of one who betrays their benefactor. The end result was, of course, a financially and morally bankrupt shell of a nation which fell to the opportunity of freedom and choice. The Russian Orthodox religion came out of their seventy years of hiding to flourish as the statues of false gods such as Lenin, Marx and Stalin were toppled by the power of the people.
As a nation whose roots run deep with the promise of a freedom to worship, to choose and to grow, we Americans often find ourselves having to decide if the state should usurp our choices so we don't have to make them. While we may have made the moral decision, we have a tendency to want to make that same decision for others. Rather than doing God's work by offering the answers, we opt for the easy way out by dictating through our legal system.
Our nation's greatest offering of freedom is at the ballot box when we put our over reaching politicians in check by taking away some of their power. The responsibility comes when the choices are given back to us. A government with less social outreach requires a greater individual conscious toward helping those in need. History shows that we have always opened our hearts and wallets when public funding through taxes is reduced. But when our government takes away our choices and our financial ability, we are left with a struggling populace and a government with more people to serve that is ever financially possible.
In our two party system we see evidence of both side's trying to take away our choices. To dictate their own morality on us. Neither sides 'social issues' has proven to be popular among the majority, though they seem to think a party victory is a validation of 100% of their ideals. And thus we make our choice at the ballot box, causing the pendulum to swing in the opposite direction.
Freedom with the weight of responsibility or restriction and the inability to create our own moral path? In our democracy, we should weigh the consequences of this question every time we cast a ballot. And the real results of our vote comes on reckoning day.
When the Soviet Union loomed over Asia and Europe, the communist regime attempted to portray a Utopian society of equals who relinquished their belief in the final judgment of a creator for a state run benefactor who treated all as equals. Choices were made for those who capitulated. Those who didn't were made to suffer the consequences of one who betrays their benefactor. The end result was, of course, a financially and morally bankrupt shell of a nation which fell to the opportunity of freedom and choice. The Russian Orthodox religion came out of their seventy years of hiding to flourish as the statues of false gods such as Lenin, Marx and Stalin were toppled by the power of the people.
As a nation whose roots run deep with the promise of a freedom to worship, to choose and to grow, we Americans often find ourselves having to decide if the state should usurp our choices so we don't have to make them. While we may have made the moral decision, we have a tendency to want to make that same decision for others. Rather than doing God's work by offering the answers, we opt for the easy way out by dictating through our legal system.
Our nation's greatest offering of freedom is at the ballot box when we put our over reaching politicians in check by taking away some of their power. The responsibility comes when the choices are given back to us. A government with less social outreach requires a greater individual conscious toward helping those in need. History shows that we have always opened our hearts and wallets when public funding through taxes is reduced. But when our government takes away our choices and our financial ability, we are left with a struggling populace and a government with more people to serve that is ever financially possible.
In our two party system we see evidence of both side's trying to take away our choices. To dictate their own morality on us. Neither sides 'social issues' has proven to be popular among the majority, though they seem to think a party victory is a validation of 100% of their ideals. And thus we make our choice at the ballot box, causing the pendulum to swing in the opposite direction.
Freedom with the weight of responsibility or restriction and the inability to create our own moral path? In our democracy, we should weigh the consequences of this question every time we cast a ballot. And the real results of our vote comes on reckoning day.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Step Up!
As we follow examples of those who guide us. As we idolize, emulate and hero worship those we put on pedestals, we create a training program for our future selves.
Think back on the people who've come into your life and made a difference. How much like them have you become? Did they touch your life enough to make you alter your course? Help you see with clearer vision? Did they hand you tools to give you strength and build your character in a way in which you couldn't have done on your own?
Whether they are good people who lead you by example, or people whose deafness to life's lessons remind you to open your eyes, ears and mind to the needs of the world around you, both can give you direction.
These people who take us by the hand will not always be there for us. But the lessons they taught us will be carried for the rest of our lives. They are also the lessons we must share with those we mentor, guide and teach. When the teacher is gone, it is our calling to step up. Share the tools. To lead the way.
If we are blessed with a heaven of eternal peace and happiness then we must begin to create it here on earth to prepare us for our reward. Lets not forget the messages of those who have come and gone from our lives. Remember what made them special. Their strengths and their failings. Learn from them and grow because of them. Step up and take their place when they are no longer able to. And rest assured that someone will fill our shoes as we move forward.
Think back on the people who've come into your life and made a difference. How much like them have you become? Did they touch your life enough to make you alter your course? Help you see with clearer vision? Did they hand you tools to give you strength and build your character in a way in which you couldn't have done on your own?
Whether they are good people who lead you by example, or people whose deafness to life's lessons remind you to open your eyes, ears and mind to the needs of the world around you, both can give you direction.
These people who take us by the hand will not always be there for us. But the lessons they taught us will be carried for the rest of our lives. They are also the lessons we must share with those we mentor, guide and teach. When the teacher is gone, it is our calling to step up. Share the tools. To lead the way.
If we are blessed with a heaven of eternal peace and happiness then we must begin to create it here on earth to prepare us for our reward. Lets not forget the messages of those who have come and gone from our lives. Remember what made them special. Their strengths and their failings. Learn from them and grow because of them. Step up and take their place when they are no longer able to. And rest assured that someone will fill our shoes as we move forward.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Smile Away All Bitterness
Smile! It opens so many doors. It welcomes people. It inspires. It has the power to guide others to optimism. And it makes your face more attractive.
As I add years to my history I can't help but notice the people who forget the smiling, positive attitude that made them attractive to others. Life makes some people bitter. But that's not a natural progression, it's merely a choice. "Life's not fair." We've all heard that since we were kids. But there comes a time when we have to come to terms with the truthfulness of that statement. The reality of life is that we are going to face unplanned crisis', tragedy, hardship and loss. But that should be no surprise. Nobody is exempt from these. Some people just make handling them look easier.
Faith plays a huge role in being an optimist. I guess you have to be one if you're going to base your life on a day of reckoning with an endgame judgment from a loving creator. Every smiling optimist I know has a strong core of faith. I've never met an agnostic or atheist who didn't have an edge of bitterness and an egotistic air of being superior to those who pray. That's why people of faith are proven to live longer.
Being a negative person just because things didn't go the way you wanted, you didn't get the material things you prayed for, or you lost love in your life, is just an excuse to not work out the smile muscles in your face and feel sorry for yourself. Pity parties become more trendy with people as they age. But life isn't about how much you have or have achieved, it's about how you cope with the unexpected. And how we treat others along the way. I have met many happy people who faced more than their share of hardship. These same people continue to lift up others with their glowing smiles and welcoming hands of kindness. The old adage "That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger" is not a guarantee, it's a choice.
There is also some truth to what we were told as children when we made a face at someone..."Be careful, your face might freeze that way", it works with smiles too. Once you plant one firmly on your face and get those muscles in shape, it will stay there. And it's a welcoming sign to your heart. Turn it on, open up and let a happy life in!
As I add years to my history I can't help but notice the people who forget the smiling, positive attitude that made them attractive to others. Life makes some people bitter. But that's not a natural progression, it's merely a choice. "Life's not fair." We've all heard that since we were kids. But there comes a time when we have to come to terms with the truthfulness of that statement. The reality of life is that we are going to face unplanned crisis', tragedy, hardship and loss. But that should be no surprise. Nobody is exempt from these. Some people just make handling them look easier.
Faith plays a huge role in being an optimist. I guess you have to be one if you're going to base your life on a day of reckoning with an endgame judgment from a loving creator. Every smiling optimist I know has a strong core of faith. I've never met an agnostic or atheist who didn't have an edge of bitterness and an egotistic air of being superior to those who pray. That's why people of faith are proven to live longer.
Being a negative person just because things didn't go the way you wanted, you didn't get the material things you prayed for, or you lost love in your life, is just an excuse to not work out the smile muscles in your face and feel sorry for yourself. Pity parties become more trendy with people as they age. But life isn't about how much you have or have achieved, it's about how you cope with the unexpected. And how we treat others along the way. I have met many happy people who faced more than their share of hardship. These same people continue to lift up others with their glowing smiles and welcoming hands of kindness. The old adage "That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger" is not a guarantee, it's a choice.
There is also some truth to what we were told as children when we made a face at someone..."Be careful, your face might freeze that way", it works with smiles too. Once you plant one firmly on your face and get those muscles in shape, it will stay there. And it's a welcoming sign to your heart. Turn it on, open up and let a happy life in!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
The Spirit Rises from Within
What do I do? Where do I turn? Many times in life we pray for the answers to these questions when faced with a major crisis. In a moment of despair, we find ourselves at a loss for direction and reach out to anyone willing to help us. But rather than from out, the answers usually come from within.
I like to refer to these as our Scarlett O'Hara moments. Recalling the scene where Scarlett, broken and exhausted from fleeing Atlanta, suffering from the shock of finding her mother dead, the family plantation fleeced and her father in a state of dementia, attempts to find nourishment from the garden where she wretches over a forgotten radish. At that 'last straw' moment she vows to "never go hungry again", to take care of her family and to not be beaten down. She draws on her inner strength. And her life changes forever.
Though this fictional catharsis was created in the mind of Margaret Mitchell, it was, no doubt, drawn from personal experience. The enlightenment that comes from these moments sets us in a new direction of growth and gives us a renewed spirit of strength. Suddenly we know what we have to do. In time, we become a better person because of this experience.
It's these moments that remind me of the presence of God in my life. Guiding my soul when my mind and body are at an impasse. Preparing me to face the road ahead with a stronger spirit. Opening a door when I find another has closed.
These defining events are the ones that will be our times to lead the journey by example. To show God that we are listening. To re-enforce our faith. The road to enlightenment and peace is a journey of learning, growing and teaching. Those who travel with blinders on will miss the lessons and find themselves walking in circles and getting nowhere. A well nourished spirit will prove to be a worthy guide.
I like to refer to these as our Scarlett O'Hara moments. Recalling the scene where Scarlett, broken and exhausted from fleeing Atlanta, suffering from the shock of finding her mother dead, the family plantation fleeced and her father in a state of dementia, attempts to find nourishment from the garden where she wretches over a forgotten radish. At that 'last straw' moment she vows to "never go hungry again", to take care of her family and to not be beaten down. She draws on her inner strength. And her life changes forever.
Though this fictional catharsis was created in the mind of Margaret Mitchell, it was, no doubt, drawn from personal experience. The enlightenment that comes from these moments sets us in a new direction of growth and gives us a renewed spirit of strength. Suddenly we know what we have to do. In time, we become a better person because of this experience.
It's these moments that remind me of the presence of God in my life. Guiding my soul when my mind and body are at an impasse. Preparing me to face the road ahead with a stronger spirit. Opening a door when I find another has closed.
These defining events are the ones that will be our times to lead the journey by example. To show God that we are listening. To re-enforce our faith. The road to enlightenment and peace is a journey of learning, growing and teaching. Those who travel with blinders on will miss the lessons and find themselves walking in circles and getting nowhere. A well nourished spirit will prove to be a worthy guide.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
The Greatest Americans
They didn't get to come home to put the horrors of combat behind them. Never had a reunion with loved ones. Never got to revel in the freedom they valiantly fought for. This weekend we honor their sacrifice by placing flags on the ground where they came home to rest. We remember them in prayer. We show our pride in their service by flying the flag that represents what they stood for: Red for VALOR. White for PURITY and INNOCENCE. And Blue for VIGILANCE, PERSEVERANCE and JUSTICE.
I never met my Uncle Leonard. He died over twenty years before I was born. But he was always a part of our large family. His picture hung in the living room of Grandma's home next to the letter from President Harry Truman, "In grateful memory". Grandma always looked at it lovingly and with pride as she mourned her eldest son. It stirred emotion in his brothers, who probably wondered what life would have been like had he come home. In us, his many nephews and nieces, it provoked questions about Uncle Leonard, and it also reminded us of the sacrifices so many have made to keep us safe, and free from tyranny here at home and around the world.
When I go to the cemetery on Memorial weekend, I place a flag on Uncle Leonard's grave. An honor I have proudly taken over from his friends and fellow veterans of the "Greatest Generation". I am reminded of all that we are blessed with in this country. Especially in the fact that we have had succeeding great generations who have enlisted in the service of our nation to preserve, protect and defend the principles that so many before them have given their lives for.
Memorial day is for the greatest Americans. Fly your flag to remember the fallen soldiers, to support those who currently serve and to show their families that they are in your thoughts and prayers.
I never met my Uncle Leonard. He died over twenty years before I was born. But he was always a part of our large family. His picture hung in the living room of Grandma's home next to the letter from President Harry Truman, "In grateful memory". Grandma always looked at it lovingly and with pride as she mourned her eldest son. It stirred emotion in his brothers, who probably wondered what life would have been like had he come home. In us, his many nephews and nieces, it provoked questions about Uncle Leonard, and it also reminded us of the sacrifices so many have made to keep us safe, and free from tyranny here at home and around the world.
When I go to the cemetery on Memorial weekend, I place a flag on Uncle Leonard's grave. An honor I have proudly taken over from his friends and fellow veterans of the "Greatest Generation". I am reminded of all that we are blessed with in this country. Especially in the fact that we have had succeeding great generations who have enlisted in the service of our nation to preserve, protect and defend the principles that so many before them have given their lives for.
Memorial day is for the greatest Americans. Fly your flag to remember the fallen soldiers, to support those who currently serve and to show their families that they are in your thoughts and prayers.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Prescription for Healing
It was a gray, rainy Sunday morning. And a bit early for a family gathering. But it was an important milestone. As much as it was a sad anniversary, it was a celebration of us using what we learned to face what we had been dealt.
Excusable tears occasionally swell up. Momentary reflection is marked by a brief, blank stare. In the two years since Mom's passing, we have each traveled our own path out of the darkness of grief, toward the rising sun of a new day. And we did it by following the path Mom cleared for us. Following the example she set. Mom's journey led us to prayer and faith, to the arms of our family members and to discovering our own inner abilities to overcome whatever we are dealt, knowing that God doesn't give us anything he hasn't prepared us to handle.
While we follow our Mom's example of how to get past the loss of your mother, Dad has followed his Mother's path for grieving the loss of the love of your life. Moms have a way of making sure you have what you need.
Looking back at the past two years, we can compare the before and after and find that we are more appreciative of one another. We find more time to spend with each other. Are more observant of each others struggles. Our large family is a blessing that we all realize every day. We pray more, giving thanks for what we have and putting ourselves in God's hand to guide us through difficult times.
The prescription for our healing included faith, family and following the journey of our Mother. The healing process resulted in us being stronger as a family. Finding our untapped talents. And it put us on a course of setting precedent for the younger generation. A path they will one day follow in search of answers, when we are no longer there to give them.
Excusable tears occasionally swell up. Momentary reflection is marked by a brief, blank stare. In the two years since Mom's passing, we have each traveled our own path out of the darkness of grief, toward the rising sun of a new day. And we did it by following the path Mom cleared for us. Following the example she set. Mom's journey led us to prayer and faith, to the arms of our family members and to discovering our own inner abilities to overcome whatever we are dealt, knowing that God doesn't give us anything he hasn't prepared us to handle.
While we follow our Mom's example of how to get past the loss of your mother, Dad has followed his Mother's path for grieving the loss of the love of your life. Moms have a way of making sure you have what you need.
Looking back at the past two years, we can compare the before and after and find that we are more appreciative of one another. We find more time to spend with each other. Are more observant of each others struggles. Our large family is a blessing that we all realize every day. We pray more, giving thanks for what we have and putting ourselves in God's hand to guide us through difficult times.
The prescription for our healing included faith, family and following the journey of our Mother. The healing process resulted in us being stronger as a family. Finding our untapped talents. And it put us on a course of setting precedent for the younger generation. A path they will one day follow in search of answers, when we are no longer there to give them.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Through the Fog and Mist
The clarity of our path is not always clear. The road ahead, tho sometimes a welcoming path toward the light, fades away. And we are left to feel our way through an unfamiliar fog. It's at that time that we must be able to trust in God's guidance and that He never gives us anything we can't handle.
Alzheimer's is a mist that fills our course with uncertainty. "Be not afraid".
When I visit my friend, who travels this journey, I am constantly reminded of that phrase that has so often been quoted, sung about and used as a reminder that God is always with you. And God will guide you through the mist and fog to bring you home. I have had some experience with Alzheimer's patients in my hospice volunteering. But the people I met had already progressed to the final stages. Patience and reassurance are what I learned are most needed. Now, as I have watched my friend's memory start it's rapid deterioration, I offer him a hand to guide him forward on the path he is no longer able to see. He has no family, and his friends have fallen by the wayside. Now it is those kindly nurses and aides who help him to dress, eat and to use what he has left to carry on with life's journey. He always greets me with a welcome smile when I visit. But now he has started to become confused as to who I am exactly. He remembers, but then tells me I remind him so much of his friend that comes to visit him. Sometimes he can't finish sentences as he forgets what he was talking about. Sometimes he can't remember things we just talked about. Some visits are spent laughing and talking. Other visits he seems to be in his own little world. I can't bring him cookies or candies any longer as they seem to confuse him. He needs his routine to guide him. So now I bring him pictures of the bar he once owned and the people who used to bring him many memorable moments. He constantly worries about the cats he took in years ago. I reassure him that they are all OK. That's what I am there for. Reassurance. And to offer my hand from the mist. To guide and comfort him. To remind him to "be not afraid".
While bits of sunshine may peak through his thickening fog, the path will no longer be obvious. The hand that reaches out to him will become less and less familiar. I have prepared to become a stranger to my friend. The kindness of a stranger can mean so much. I have taken his hand and I will walk with him on his final journey. And we will have smiles and laughter along the way.
Alzheimer's is a mist that fills our course with uncertainty. "Be not afraid".
When I visit my friend, who travels this journey, I am constantly reminded of that phrase that has so often been quoted, sung about and used as a reminder that God is always with you. And God will guide you through the mist and fog to bring you home. I have had some experience with Alzheimer's patients in my hospice volunteering. But the people I met had already progressed to the final stages. Patience and reassurance are what I learned are most needed. Now, as I have watched my friend's memory start it's rapid deterioration, I offer him a hand to guide him forward on the path he is no longer able to see. He has no family, and his friends have fallen by the wayside. Now it is those kindly nurses and aides who help him to dress, eat and to use what he has left to carry on with life's journey. He always greets me with a welcome smile when I visit. But now he has started to become confused as to who I am exactly. He remembers, but then tells me I remind him so much of his friend that comes to visit him. Sometimes he can't finish sentences as he forgets what he was talking about. Sometimes he can't remember things we just talked about. Some visits are spent laughing and talking. Other visits he seems to be in his own little world. I can't bring him cookies or candies any longer as they seem to confuse him. He needs his routine to guide him. So now I bring him pictures of the bar he once owned and the people who used to bring him many memorable moments. He constantly worries about the cats he took in years ago. I reassure him that they are all OK. That's what I am there for. Reassurance. And to offer my hand from the mist. To guide and comfort him. To remind him to "be not afraid".
While bits of sunshine may peak through his thickening fog, the path will no longer be obvious. The hand that reaches out to him will become less and less familiar. I have prepared to become a stranger to my friend. The kindness of a stranger can mean so much. I have taken his hand and I will walk with him on his final journey. And we will have smiles and laughter along the way.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Kneel at the Cross
Last year, as I exited the church on Holy Thursday, I had a thought about the symbolism of the mass. With all of the feasts we Catholics and Christian's have to celebrate our religious holidays, why don't we have one to commemorate Christs last supper? So I decided that the next year, I would.
I invited a few friends over for supper. Somehow I felt that God approved as He supplied us with a beautiful evening which allowed us to eat in the garden, another symbolic gesture. I told everyone I would grill and do all the cooking. We broke bread and drank wine with our dinner in remembrance of the body and blood of Christ. We chatted and laughed over our meal as the sun set. My guests parted and I cleaned up. I had intended to walk up to church for a moment of prayer and adoration. Since the church was open until midnight, I felt I could rest a little before heading up. Alas, "the spirit was willing but the flesh was week". I nodded off and didn't wake up until 12:30. For my last supper meal I was rewarded with the experience of the apostles.
Writers, actors, and artists use life's experiences as inspiration. They seek out the emotions of the moment to put themselves into the hearts and minds of those they seek to lift onto the page, the stage or the canvas. As Christians, we should be seeking to lift Christ into our hearts and minds. We can do this by experiencing the emotion of His life and those around Him. Search for times in our own lives when we gathered for the last time with someone we loved. Been witness to a persecution of someone dear to us. Were betrayed by someone we trusted. Or denied knowing a friend for fear of being associated with them.
Tonight I felt the shame of Peter, John and Paul. Now I am ready to journey through the Stations of the Cross and then partake in the requiem mass of Good Friday. When you have Christ in your heart, this is a very emotional service. I can't imagine recreating the death and funeral of a loved one without feeling like a wound was reopened. But that's what Good Friday is about. Feeling the pain of Christ and his first followers. Not so much the physical, but the emotional. The silence as we leave the venerated crucifix in the barren church is intended to escort us to our homes, where the emptiness is a reminder of a life without the presence of Christ.
In contemplation of the journey through the pre-Easter services, it's a good time to ask ourselves; If we were an original follower of Jesus, would we have run to our home out of fear, or would we have been brave enough to kneel at the foot of his cross to be with Christ as he suffered? Seek out the emotion of the apostles and you will find your answer.
May you walk the journey to Calvary, find peace in prayer at his tomb and rejoice in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ this Easter.
I invited a few friends over for supper. Somehow I felt that God approved as He supplied us with a beautiful evening which allowed us to eat in the garden, another symbolic gesture. I told everyone I would grill and do all the cooking. We broke bread and drank wine with our dinner in remembrance of the body and blood of Christ. We chatted and laughed over our meal as the sun set. My guests parted and I cleaned up. I had intended to walk up to church for a moment of prayer and adoration. Since the church was open until midnight, I felt I could rest a little before heading up. Alas, "the spirit was willing but the flesh was week". I nodded off and didn't wake up until 12:30. For my last supper meal I was rewarded with the experience of the apostles.
Writers, actors, and artists use life's experiences as inspiration. They seek out the emotions of the moment to put themselves into the hearts and minds of those they seek to lift onto the page, the stage or the canvas. As Christians, we should be seeking to lift Christ into our hearts and minds. We can do this by experiencing the emotion of His life and those around Him. Search for times in our own lives when we gathered for the last time with someone we loved. Been witness to a persecution of someone dear to us. Were betrayed by someone we trusted. Or denied knowing a friend for fear of being associated with them.
Tonight I felt the shame of Peter, John and Paul. Now I am ready to journey through the Stations of the Cross and then partake in the requiem mass of Good Friday. When you have Christ in your heart, this is a very emotional service. I can't imagine recreating the death and funeral of a loved one without feeling like a wound was reopened. But that's what Good Friday is about. Feeling the pain of Christ and his first followers. Not so much the physical, but the emotional. The silence as we leave the venerated crucifix in the barren church is intended to escort us to our homes, where the emptiness is a reminder of a life without the presence of Christ.
In contemplation of the journey through the pre-Easter services, it's a good time to ask ourselves; If we were an original follower of Jesus, would we have run to our home out of fear, or would we have been brave enough to kneel at the foot of his cross to be with Christ as he suffered? Seek out the emotion of the apostles and you will find your answer.
May you walk the journey to Calvary, find peace in prayer at his tomb and rejoice in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ this Easter.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
A Long Walk with Mom
Recently, as we helped Dad go through the many boxes of things Mom saved along her journey, I came across one of the many of my childhood memories that she had lovingly packed away.
When I started kindergarten in 1973, it was a transition during a difficult time for my family. The previous January we had suddenly lost my 11 year old brother. The following months were filled with a silence that was broken by sudden tears, impatient anger and whispers. While the older kids were off to school, I had a habit of taking my toys and playing behind the sofa or in a closet. I didn't want to bother my Mom, who seemed to just sit and stare off into space. Dad had work to throw himself into, the older kids had school. During the silence of the school day, Mom and me had each other. In the spring of '73 Mom noticed my withdrawal. She started taking me for long walks. We would walk to the local Hardee's for lunch. Or to the novelty store where she would buy me a book that she would read to me. I can only guess what went through her head during that most difficult time in her life, but I do know that those long walks were therapy for both of us.
Over the summer things seemed to get back to normal at our house. There were other kids for me to play with. Laughter crept back into our home. The announcement that another baby was on the way gave us all something to look forward to. Then school started up again. And I didn't want to go. I cried that first day and didn't want to go for sometime. One day I even walked back home after getting half way there. I am sure Mom talked to my teacher because she seemed to always try to say a few words to me personally each morning to try to make me feel more comfortable. Then one day we learned about silhouettes. My teacher, Mrs. Sickle told us we were going to make one of ourselves and be able to give them to our Moms as a special keepsake. It seemed to take forever to sit for mine, but when it was done I couldn't wait to give it to my Mom.
I'll never forget Mom's reaction to my gift. I saw a big smile on her face. I think I missed Mom's smile because that was the first time I had seen it in a while. As with many other things to come, she said "I am going to put this away."
Then she showed me a silhouette done of her when she was young. Many homemade gifts would fill Mom's drawer and be stashed away in boxes.
Now that Mom is gone and we downsize the amount of things Dad has to transfer to the new house, the many things Mom saved are coming back to us. Of all the notes, cards and drawings she saved, this little silhouette means the most. It represents the time I made my Mom smile. I framed it and put it on my wall as a reminder of the long walks. Of the time we helped each other on our journey out of the silence and toward smiles and laughter.
When I started kindergarten in 1973, it was a transition during a difficult time for my family. The previous January we had suddenly lost my 11 year old brother. The following months were filled with a silence that was broken by sudden tears, impatient anger and whispers. While the older kids were off to school, I had a habit of taking my toys and playing behind the sofa or in a closet. I didn't want to bother my Mom, who seemed to just sit and stare off into space. Dad had work to throw himself into, the older kids had school. During the silence of the school day, Mom and me had each other. In the spring of '73 Mom noticed my withdrawal. She started taking me for long walks. We would walk to the local Hardee's for lunch. Or to the novelty store where she would buy me a book that she would read to me. I can only guess what went through her head during that most difficult time in her life, but I do know that those long walks were therapy for both of us.
Over the summer things seemed to get back to normal at our house. There were other kids for me to play with. Laughter crept back into our home. The announcement that another baby was on the way gave us all something to look forward to. Then school started up again. And I didn't want to go. I cried that first day and didn't want to go for sometime. One day I even walked back home after getting half way there. I am sure Mom talked to my teacher because she seemed to always try to say a few words to me personally each morning to try to make me feel more comfortable. Then one day we learned about silhouettes. My teacher, Mrs. Sickle told us we were going to make one of ourselves and be able to give them to our Moms as a special keepsake. It seemed to take forever to sit for mine, but when it was done I couldn't wait to give it to my Mom.
I'll never forget Mom's reaction to my gift. I saw a big smile on her face. I think I missed Mom's smile because that was the first time I had seen it in a while. As with many other things to come, she said "I am going to put this away."
Then she showed me a silhouette done of her when she was young. Many homemade gifts would fill Mom's drawer and be stashed away in boxes.
Now that Mom is gone and we downsize the amount of things Dad has to transfer to the new house, the many things Mom saved are coming back to us. Of all the notes, cards and drawings she saved, this little silhouette means the most. It represents the time I made my Mom smile. I framed it and put it on my wall as a reminder of the long walks. Of the time we helped each other on our journey out of the silence and toward smiles and laughter.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Need a hand? Give a hand.
You will have an unpredictable terrain to cross. Rivers of doubt. Mountains of despair. A forest dense with a brush of uncertainty that will hide your path. Life's journey will not be easy. But fear not. Help is always near.
Facing the roadblocks along the way can be daunting. As you travel the uncharted territories you will not be able to go it alone. Help is always standing by. All you have to do is seek the hand of God and you will be carried across the river, pulled up the mountain and the brush will be cleared away. God's hand comes in many shades and sizes. The hand you need will always be there for the asking. But to assure this, you must also offer your hand to those who have fallen behind. Remember that you are only one traveler along life's path. Others who have cleared your path and taken you by the hand were once lost and needed help. You will be asked to do the same. To turn away a hand in need is to turn away the hand of God.
Everyone who succeeds in life owes their success to those who have crossed their paths. No one gets to heaven on their own. Lives touched by our goodness and compassion are the stepping stones to the promised land. Accepting the goodness and compassion of others are our guide ropes. Even the purest saints could not be so unless they had teachers to guide them and people to serve.
As the song goes, "You'll Never Walk Alone". So 'Climb Every Mountain'. If you seek God's help just look ahead for his hand. But always remember to look behind you also. The person you lift up and carry may one day pull you to the summit.
Facing the roadblocks along the way can be daunting. As you travel the uncharted territories you will not be able to go it alone. Help is always standing by. All you have to do is seek the hand of God and you will be carried across the river, pulled up the mountain and the brush will be cleared away. God's hand comes in many shades and sizes. The hand you need will always be there for the asking. But to assure this, you must also offer your hand to those who have fallen behind. Remember that you are only one traveler along life's path. Others who have cleared your path and taken you by the hand were once lost and needed help. You will be asked to do the same. To turn away a hand in need is to turn away the hand of God.
Everyone who succeeds in life owes their success to those who have crossed their paths. No one gets to heaven on their own. Lives touched by our goodness and compassion are the stepping stones to the promised land. Accepting the goodness and compassion of others are our guide ropes. Even the purest saints could not be so unless they had teachers to guide them and people to serve.
As the song goes, "You'll Never Walk Alone". So 'Climb Every Mountain'. If you seek God's help just look ahead for his hand. But always remember to look behind you also. The person you lift up and carry may one day pull you to the summit.
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