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”

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”

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)”

Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. – Maya Angelou

This morning my daughter asked if we would do different activities once all our kids were vaccinated. I replied back, “sure,” and then asked her the first new thing she wanted to do. She quickly replied back, “Go to the movies!” One of my sons immediately chimed in, “Yes, let’s go to the movies!” IContinue reading “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. – Maya Angelou”

“Growth-minded leaders… start with a belief in human potential and development – both their own and other people’s. ” Carol S. Dweck

In recent weeks I have participated in several year-end meetings and rituals via Zoom. The experience, resiliency, and empathy demonstrated by the leaders of our Lasallian schools continue to impress me. One colleague noted that “transparency builds trust,” most especially during this recent pandemic year of leading, teaching, and learning. Modeling vulnerability is one primaryContinue reading ““Growth-minded leaders… start with a belief in human potential and development – both their own and other people’s. ” Carol S. Dweck”