Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself. -St. Francis de Sales

This week I share a reflection and a poem that speak to our need to consider others, and context (always), in our decision-making and in our lives. I have enjoyed some recent time in deep reflection and emerge from these summer weeks with gratitude and appreciation for my community of support. The new school yearContinue reading “Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself. -St. Francis de Sales”

God is always present and looking to connect with us. We just need to invite God to the table and listen. -Rebecca Ruiz

I am enjoying a break from my computer these weeks and am basking in the summer beauty of California along with some quality time with my family. I am happy to share this below reflection, and two links from musicians who inspire me, as resources for gratitude, faith, and recognizing God’s presence. Blessings on yourContinue reading “God is always present and looking to connect with us. We just need to invite God to the table and listen. -Rebecca Ruiz”

We will never come to know our true vocation unless we are willing to grapple with the radical claim the gospel places upon us. -Fr. Henri Nouwen

It’s almost full summer break in my household and our whole clan is ready for a change of pace and some quality time together. As the son of a teacher, and an educator for 25 years, I have lived on an academic year cycle my entire life. I look forward to the rejuvenation and restContinue reading “We will never come to know our true vocation unless we are willing to grapple with the radical claim the gospel places upon us. -Fr. Henri Nouwen”

The fullness of joy is to contemplate God in everything. -Julian of Norwich

I found this morning’s Psalm reading (146) to be a beautiful reflection of the awesome, healing power of God and God’s love. Recent weeks in our country have caused great unrest among some, most especially our immigrant communities. At a recent gathering in Chicago to honor Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinal of that Archdiocese offeredContinue reading “The fullness of joy is to contemplate God in everything. -Julian of Norwich”

Prayer is our humble answer to the inconceivable surprise of living. -Abraham Joshua Heschel

This morning I listened to a podcast with Dr. Sue Varma, based upon her book, Practical Optimism. She spoke of the “4 M’s of Mental Health:” Mindfulness, Movement, Mastery and Meaningful Engagement…all elements to support our exploration of purpose, meaning, and balance in life. I’ve been thinking a lot about this concept of purpose throughoutContinue reading “Prayer is our humble answer to the inconceivable surprise of living. -Abraham Joshua Heschel”

Live to give, this is God’s will. -Gerald Kicanis

Today I write before heading out soon to take my daughter to her first horror movie. It will also be my first one (in a movie theater)….I’m chalking it up to making the most of connecting with my youngest. I realize more and more that it’s best for me to seize the opportunity for connectionContinue reading “Live to give, this is God’s will. -Gerald Kicanis”

Being at your best is honoring yourself. And it is honoring God- Common

This week I share a few inspirations from a book I just finished (And Then We Rise, by Artist Common), a meeting I attended, and a holiday card I received. I continue to try to be aware of God’s presence in all these occurances as the pace of my life only intensifies. One day atContinue reading “Being at your best is honoring yourself. And it is honoring God- Common”

It is my deepest belief that only by giving our lives do we find life. -Cesar Chavez

Cesar Chavez passed away on this day over thirty years ago, leaving a legacy of service, advocacy and a firm commitment to the dignity of work. I recall learning of him in the 1980’s due to a nationwide grape boycott, yet it wasn’t until I moved to California in 2000 that I embraced a sincereContinue reading “It is my deepest belief that only by giving our lives do we find life. -Cesar Chavez”

It’s not that every minute needs to be useful, but the things we pay attention to make us who we are. Over time, they comprise our entire lives. -Katherine Johnson Martinko

This week I offer a simple Lenten reflection along with an invitation to re-focus our time. I invite you to try this 15 minute approach. I found it refreshing! Blessings on your week ahead.  In this holy season of Lent, I come before You with a desire to be changed. Strip away the noise, the clutter, andContinue reading “It’s not that every minute needs to be useful, but the things we pay attention to make us who we are. Over time, they comprise our entire lives. -Katherine Johnson Martinko”

The way to find the real “world” …is to find your inner ground. -Thomas Merton

Last night, Brigid and I made our way to our first baseball game of the season. There’s something about the rhythm of the season, and the experience of sitting still at a live ballgame, that brings me a sense of peace. Taking the train to the ballpark, walking amidst the crowd, taking in the sightsContinue reading “The way to find the real “world” …is to find your inner ground. -Thomas Merton”