Last week I was privileged to enjoy time in the New Orleans area with our school leaders. Learning and growing alongside them is one of the best parts of my job. Speaking of learning, last night I played my guitar for the first time in a while and I learned a new chord configuration…thirty years in, part of the joy I experience with this hobby is how never-ending the learning curve is. That’s a nice metaphor for life.

Today I share two articles that have informed my thinking in the past week. Nine Ways to Fill Your Cup When You’re Running on Empty reminded me of the importance of staying grounded, especially during this busy fall season with my kids’ schools and our work commitments. Listening with Franciscan Ears is a nod to both my passion for music and also my appreciation for the example of Saint Francis of Assisi. Happy early feast of Saint Francis (October 4).

Last night my son and I heard this song, “Winding Roads,” for the first time on our way home from soccer practice. It’s authors are among some of my favorites, with the last names of Marley, Weir and Johnson. You can read more about their creative process here:

Stephen Marley Discusses Bob Weir And Jack Johnson Collaboration ‘Winding Roads’.

Enjoy and blessings on your week ahead!