Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God. -The Book of Sirach

This week’s adventures include coaching my son’s soccer team, shuttling my other kids around to their activities, and preparing for our annual family getaway weekend at the beach with our good friends and their families. Our daughter started volleyball season last night with her first practice, and it feels as if we are settling intoContinue reading “Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God. -The Book of Sirach”

The truth must dazzle gradually or every person be blind. -Emily Dickinson

Here’s a reflection from my inbox this morning, thanks to IgnatianSpirituality.com. On the front porch, perched upon a worn wooden table and leaning against a bowl filled with water bottles, stood the sign: “Delivery Folks: Cold Water. Thank you!” Waiting there in the shade, I marveled at my friend’s kindness. “Kathy, you are so thoughtful!”Continue reading “The truth must dazzle gradually or every person be blind. -Emily Dickinson”

“Built By Black History.” -NBA Celebration of Black History Month

I was fortunate to recently attend a Golden State Warriors game and, among many impressions, I was left inspired by the warm-up gear and attire of the teams. All of these steps acknowledged the impact and legacy of black women and men. We had great seats with an insightful view into the effort, hard workContinue reading ““Built By Black History.” -NBA Celebration of Black History Month”

Serving people means growing their capacity and implies that everyone can contribute. – Juana Bordas

In How to Become a Servant Leader, the following practices were cited by authors Bob Vanourek and Gregg Vanourek: Listening: acknowledging the viewpoint of followers and validating these perspectives. Empathy: standing in the shoes of others and seeing things from their point of view. Healing: in helping followers become whole, servant leaders are themselves healed. Awareness: understanding oneself and the impactContinue reading “Serving people means growing their capacity and implies that everyone can contribute. – Juana Bordas”

Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. -Muhammad Ali

“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 basketballContinue reading “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. -Muhammad Ali”

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”

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”

“Sharing silence is, in fact, a political act. When we can stand aside from the usual and perceive the fundamental, change begins to happen. Our lives align with deeper values and the lives of others are touched and influenced.” -Gunilla Norris

This week marks the 279th anniversary of the premiere of Handel’s “Messiah.” I love this classical tune, which was composed in just 23 days! On April 13, 142, Handel debuted it at a charitable event in Dublin, Ireland, to free 142 men from debtor’s prison there. (Source: The Little White Book) Throughout the duration ofContinue reading ““Sharing silence is, in fact, a political act. When we can stand aside from the usual and perceive the fundamental, change begins to happen. Our lives align with deeper values and the lives of others are touched and influenced.” -Gunilla Norris”