This is Not Home

“Grief is like a long valley, a winding valley where any bend may reveal a totally new landscape.”
-C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

Throwback picture of Pops and my brothers and I (circa 1993?)

I am a C.S. Lewis geek and because of this, I will almost always side with Lewis on matters of faith and theology, but in light of the recent events in my life, I am going to side with Lewis on his observations of grief as well. In the span of two weeks, my grandpa (who from here out will be called by his real name: Pops) and a colleague, friend, fellow youth minister, and mentor passed away unexpectedly.

Lead Through Love: Pre-retreat reflections

Tomorrow is the retreat that my friend and I have been working on for months. I thought that since we want tomorrow to be an uplifting and transformative experience, I better start some serious reflecting and praying on the retreat motto: Lead Through Love.

When I think about leading... I think about Jesus. When I think about Jesus... I think about love. When I think about love... I think about the cross. When I think about the cross... I think about Dawson. Dawson made me think about the cross in a new way, but let me set the stage a little bit. When I graduated in 2010 from Aquinas College with my B.A., I did what every college graduate dreams-- I got a job. The job I got was the job that every theology major probably expects: baby-sitting. We aim high in theology.

Advent/Christmas Reflections

God has given me a lot to think about this Advent. If there's one lesson that I'm in the process of
learning, it's patience. I'm not a patient person, and the past year has been a test of my patience, will, and obedience. Out of those three, the only thing I don't have a problem with is the will, but only my will. Luckily, we have a built in season to reflect on what patience, will, and obedience really mean. The best example? Mary.

Question/Answer

Why do Catholics pray the rosary/ pray to Mary?

Stillness

There's something about a sunset over the water that just makes me want to be still.