Author Archives: drmikedaniels

Give thanks to the Lord, for God is good, for God’s mercy endures forever. – Psalms 118

In recent weeks I have been privileged to enjoy multiple opportunities to reflect upon the significance of giving thanks. In community with family and friends, here in California and across the country in cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia, I have been blessed to safely gather with loved ones. This Advent especially, I am grateful forContinue reading “Give thanks to the Lord, for God is good, for God’s mercy endures forever. – Psalms 118”

There is always room for doubt. There is also room for faith and hope. This is the nature of mystery. -Martha Hickman

Recently I read this blog post on the importance of “transformational leadership.” I agree wholeheartedly with author George Couros and his assessment of the distinction between transactional and transformational leadership. I feel blessed to work alongside transformational leaders. The Danger of a Single Story also reminds us to utilize empathy as a basis for accompaniment,Continue reading “There is always room for doubt. There is also room for faith and hope. This is the nature of mystery. -Martha Hickman”

There is nowhere on earth filled with the pure magic that New Orleans has to offer. -David Grohl

Last week I returned to the “Big Easy” for work and I feel like I re-captured a part of my soul. The people, the customs, the music, and the food of New Orleans inspire me whenever I am there. I am grateful for my colleagues in Lasallian education, whose hospitality and welcome is always appreciated.Continue reading “There is nowhere on earth filled with the pure magic that New Orleans has to offer. -David Grohl”

Often recall to mind the purpose of your vocation, and let this [inspire] you to do your part to establish and maintain the kingdom of God in the hearts of your students. -John Baptist de La Salle

This week we are setting up our Day of the Dead altar at home. This altar will remain displayed until after Thanksgiving. I greatly appreciate this annual ritual of calling to mind those who have gone before us and their continued presence in our lives today. My mom, Joan, joins my dad, Al, and otherContinue reading “Often recall to mind the purpose of your vocation, and let this [inspire] you to do your part to establish and maintain the kingdom of God in the hearts of your students. -John Baptist de La Salle”

Be curious, not judgmental. -Walt Whitman

My wife and I have recently started watching Ted Lasso together, and last night’s episode included this quote from the poet Walt Whitman. Since we are both coaching CYO sports for our kids’ teams, the premise of this show, plus the personality and approach of the title character – who is coach of a professionalContinue reading “Be curious, not judgmental. -Walt Whitman”

Life is a process. We are a process. The universe is a process. -Anne Wilson Schaef

Recently my favorite baseball team clinched a postseason berth earlier than any other team in the major leagues…Vamos Gigantes! I have enjoyed two blissful weeks of coaching 5th grade boys’ soccer, and my wife starts coaching 4th grade girls volleyball in a few days. Next week I begin my limited fall travel for work, andContinue reading “Life is a process. We are a process. The universe is a process. -Anne Wilson Schaef”

The key to success is action and the essential in action is perseverance. -Sun Yat Sen

Christ on the Sea of Galilee (1841, Eugene Delacroix) This week while in a meeting, one school leader described the awkward “nuances of interconnectedness” that are strained during this current round of re-opening schools. She referenced how students are unable to speak during lunch because they are forced to eat indoors due to the physicalContinue reading “The key to success is action and the essential in action is perseverance. -Sun Yat Sen”

Come to us, Holy Spirit, remain with us, and enlighten our hearts. Give us light and strength to know your will, to make it our own, and to live it in our lives. -Vatican Council II (1962)

Recently while on vacation, my daughter took a tumble off of her bike. From 50 feet in front of her, my viewpoint left me fearful that I would peel her off the bike trail with her bottom teeth sticking through her forehead. Miraculously, she escaped relatively unscathed! With just a couple scratched elbows, she plantedContinue reading “Come to us, Holy Spirit, remain with us, and enlighten our hearts. Give us light and strength to know your will, to make it our own, and to live it in our lives. -Vatican Council II (1962)”

I don’t regret. I don’t forget. But I still love. – Miles Davis

The other night I spent two hours on a plane on the tarmac of Philadelphia’s International Airport. While patiently awaiting to take off at the conclusion of the thunder and lightening storm, I watched “Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool” on Netflix. Not only was I grateful that I had thought to previously download theContinue reading “I don’t regret. I don’t forget. But I still love. – Miles Davis”