God loves a cheerful giver. -Fr. James Martin, SJ

Life back on the road for work, combined with the start to the academic year at home as well, leads toward a full start to this month of September…and now I realize it’s almost October, ha! I hope that the official end to summer tomorrow marks a welcome time of transition and forward progress forContinue reading “God loves a cheerful giver. -Fr. James Martin, SJ”

Dialogue with the world is not a tactical choice …but a concrete expression (of the Gospel). -Pope Leo

This week I share several inspirations from my daily reflection book, a podcast, and a text from my sister-in-law. God is good. I count myself blessed to access these resources on a regular basis to assist me feeling grounded amidst a busy back to school time. Blessings on your week ahead! “Be on the lookoutContinue reading “Dialogue with the world is not a tactical choice …but a concrete expression (of the Gospel). -Pope Leo”

In an age when information is cheap, the greatest educational good is the ability to discern what is good and the agency to act upon it. -Luke Burgis

Today I am sharing two resources from the National Catholic Reporter. I spent the morning on a high school campus and could not agree more with the sentiments of this article, “Look to the teenagers, the ones who remind us how to hope.” And the thoughts below on the importance of listening resonate with howContinue reading “In an age when information is cheap, the greatest educational good is the ability to discern what is good and the agency to act upon it. -Luke Burgis”

Just assume the answer to every question is compassion. -Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ

I find myself moving pretty quickly through life these days and so I cherished a quiet hour on the couch last night. An empty house is a rare occurrence and so I took full advantage. I read for a while and took some time to journal. I recalled with gratitude the 6 mile bike rideContinue reading “Just assume the answer to every question is compassion. -Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ”

I’m in the hearts and minds business. I change people one at a time. – Bruce Springsteen

Recently I read Every Brain Needs Music, and I loved this definition of the role of an “accompanist.” In church, I view this person frequently as the one on the keys, and in my own guitar playing, it’s the role I am most comfortable with compared to that of lead guitar….one of support, alongside thoseContinue reading “I’m in the hearts and minds business. I change people one at a time. – Bruce Springsteen”

If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul. – Rabbi Harold Kushner

In recent weeks I have enjoyed active time outdoors, in community with my family, friends, and colleagues, and out and about in and throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. I am ready for this new academic year, and feel rejuvenated in these last couple weeks to have “turned the page,” as it were. Today IContinue reading “If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul. – Rabbi Harold Kushner”

Prayer is not asking for what you think you want, but asking to be changed in ways you can’t imagine. -Kathleen Norris

This week’s reflection is taken from Richard Rohr’s Center for Action and Contemplation. The Center’s weekly e-news offered some great reflection questions rooted in the Beatitudes, and I find them thought provoking. I hope they inform your own discernment…blessings on your week ahead! Practicing the Beatitudes  Do I embrace poverty of spirit—or flee from itContinue reading “Prayer is not asking for what you think you want, but asking to be changed in ways you can’t imagine. -Kathleen Norris”

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” -Gospel of Matthew

When I read these words from the daily scripture this morning, they resonated within my soul. I have been fortunate to spend these recent days in the woods- and in the water- with my kids, and I am rejuvenated in my vocation as a dad and an educator. God is good. I am pleased toContinue reading ““Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” -Gospel of Matthew”

Hope is a quality of aliveness. It does not come at the end, as the feeling that results from a happy outcome. Rather, it lies at the beginning, as a pulse of truth that sends us forth.—Cynthia Bourgeault

I am preparing for a family vacation next week and I look forward to time out in nature. This morning, Brigid shared this below reflection with me from her Substack daily perusal. I think it’s an excellent reminder of the importance of seeking balance and rest in our lives. Blessings on your week ahead! TheContinue reading “Hope is a quality of aliveness. It does not come at the end, as the feeling that results from a happy outcome. Rather, it lies at the beginning, as a pulse of truth that sends us forth.—Cynthia Bourgeault”