“On grace and gratitude” is how a recent meeting opened for me. The theme to this opening prayer compelled me to think in thanksgiving of all those working so diligently and thoughtfully to support my family and me. From the crossing guard, to the garbage collector, to the educational therapist, to the volunteer CYO basketball coach…not to mention my children’s teachers, along with our friends and colleagues. I enter into these upcoming Christmas weeks in deep gratitude for all those serving my community.
I have also enjoyed numerous recent opportunities to reflect upon Mary. In my Catholic Christian faith, we celebrate her as the mother of God. My wife and I attended my kids’ school liturgy on one of Mary’s recent feast days, and I also attended a luncheon at my office on that same day. Mary’s commitment to community and her courage have always inspired me. As I prepare to celebrate my first Christmas without my own mother here on earth, I find myself praying more often to Mary and leaning on her example and life story to grow my own resilience and perseverance.
I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the strain of the omicron variant of Covid-19 that now faces our global community. My children were unexpectedly home for the last half of the week due to an outbreak at school, healthcare institutions in certain parts of the United States are already overburdened, and together we face this next unknown chapter with cumulative exhaustion. May God protect our healthcare workers and support all those affected by this next wave of our pandemic.
“Becoming a More Humane Leader” emphasizes humility, listening and supporting others to reach their full potential. I pray that we practice these tenets throughout these holiday weeks. I hope that the joy and potential of Christmas bring to you and yours the blessings that God wishes for each and every one of us. Take care and stay healthy.
Keeping the Faith 