Well, this post has more to do with love, than God per se. Athough, many would say, me included, that love is God working through us. I was talking with a mom of a student the other day about what it's like to be a teacher. Of the many things I had to learn when changing careers is that I obviously have a different kind of connection with kids than they do with their parents. But here's the deal - spending so much time with students for an entire school year allows for some really cool connections. But then the school year is over, and they are gone. Some stay in touch, and I get fistbumps from many former students. I've thought about this a lot over the years, and what I've come to realize is that to be the type of teacher I want to be, with heart, I connect with them the best I can, loving on them, while I have them in class. I have them in my care for one school year, so I give it all I have for that year. And then I start again the next year - giving my heart to teaching them the best I can, so they learn as much as they can, and leading them to be great people too. That's my job, and I wouldn't do it any other way. To live means I have to love and live with the outcomes. The reason I even bring this up is that some of you may be in a similar boat, even though you may not be teachers. You may be going through something right now, like I was, you may be trying to love but it just isn't happening, or you may be in a good spot, but it comes down to how you, and I, want to live our lives. It isn't easy, and there are days, weeks, or months that may not be what we want, but does that mean we don't be who we are, or don't live the way we want to live? For me, I don't always love like I should or want to, but I'm striving. I guess that's all I can do, and really pray that I keep loving the best way I can. Now is the time. I have to keep remembering that. I hope you are too. Blessings to everyone. XO
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Some people asked me to post the invocation from my 35th HS reunion. We had a pretty cool class, played great sports, and had quite a few who partied, but a neat group of people. It was good night. Here's the opening prayer. I tried to make it meaningful, yet light. Loving God, We are here to celebrate a time when we had a common experience as the Class of ’81. It ties us together, but from there we’ve had lives to live, risks to take, love to share, visions and dreams to go after. Some things worked, and some didn’t, but each of us has a life worth sharing with each other. There’s a then and there’s a now… and it must be a miracle that we made it. We did a lot of nothing during mod scheduling, hanging out in the commons, or other spots. There were things to learn, friends to make, sports and music played, theater and art created, but also beers drank, pranks pulled, cheers shouted and many laughs. In some cases, even vehicles flipped over. But we are still here. And we know You are here too. You are here because goodwill is in this place. As we join with each other to reminisce, we ask that we also see each other for who we are now and then, and connect in a way that brings love into our hearts, and many laughs. We ask that you bless those who are no longer with us, those who couldn’t make it this evening, and all of us who are here tonight. Amen Blessing to everyone. XO I just wrote the invocation for my 35th high school reunion next weekend. I am no preacher, so it's quite an honor to be asked again to lead the crowd in a prayer. There are many memories to think about, and for some of us in the Horlick Class of '81, it's amazing we are still here! God had to be with us. It's going to be nice to share memories and the "now" we all live in. As I think of all of our now, many experiences have shaped us. For me, there have been ups and downs. Looking at my life now, it's obvious to me, family and friends that God is with us. And the reunion gives me the chance to know God is here, because we will be sharing love among us all, and a lot of gratitude. Those are two of the biggest lessons I've learned over the last year. If you look at life with the attitude as interactions are really love being shared, with God shaping them, and with gratitude to God, even in tough times, it changes your life. Huge blessings to you all. XO |
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