Category: Reflections

Dad

Father’s Day 2020

Dad,

Happy Father’s Day. I miss you every day but especially today. I will never forget the lessons you taught me:

Always put family first
Hard work and perseverance pays off
Occasionally shoveling the neighbors’ walk or mowing their lawn creates a better neighborhood
Always cheer for two teams, the Packers and whoever is playing the Vikings (unless it is the Bears)
Taking in a stray animal builds compassion
Painting the ceiling the morning of a graduation party isn’t a good idea
1. It’s hard to get paint out of carpet
2. Furniture will only hide it temporarily
3. You can’t hide things from Mom
Sacrificing yourself for others makes everyone’s life better
One of the purposes of grandchildren is to sneak you chocolate
Duct tape will hold up almost anything (except tuxedo pants)
If you have the means to help someone in need, you should do so
The gas gauge warning light is not a suggestion
Getting a station wagon full of kids airborne is really fun
1. Having the engine light come on after landing – not so much
Be firm in your core beliefs and flexible in how you apply them
You should wear a suit to Christmas Mass, unless it’s your new track suit
1. A jacket and tie over the track suit doesn’t help
Golf carts are not amphibious
Don’t take yourself too seriously
Don’t let others take themselves too seriously, either
Any time you can get a Catholic Nun to sing “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini,” do it
Laugh often. Laughter lessens pain and increases joy
Leave everything better than you found it

You left this world better than you you found it, and we are all the better for it. I will try my best every day to live your legacy.

Christmas 2019 The God of...

The 3rd Day of Christmas

The Lord look upon you kindly, and give you peace!
Numbers 6:26

How ironic that a season that heralds the bringer of peace is so full of stress and anxiety. Shopping for presents, putting up decorations, preparing and eating food, entertaining visitors, and travel are all packed together. A short breath, and then it’s time for gift returns, cleaning up, saying goodbyes, putting decorations away, more travel, and figuring out out to lose the weight we gained. All that on top of trying to get back to our ‘normal’ routine.

Through all our stress, we look at the peaceful nativity scene with Mary and Joseph relaxing around Jesus. Jesus is smiling. A sheep and an ox are peacefully laying down in the background. Three wise men bring nicely wrapped gifts. We can’t help but wonder what we are doing wrong?

Let’s piece together the real picture. First, they have to travel by foot and by donkey for 90 miles when Mary is 8+ months pregnant, just to complete some government papyruswork. Every hotel they stop at is full. They end up in a stable where Mary gives birth with a bunch of animals staring at her. While trying to sleep, animals are wandering around looking for food, the baby is crying, and random people keep showing up bringing gifts they don’t need. Sounds like a typical Christmas.

And that’s the point. Jesus didn’t come to bring peace to our outside world. He said so himself in Luke 12. The world isn’t any less hectic. The stresses and anxieties are still there. Bad things still happen, and things rarely work out as planned.

What Jesus brings is an inner peace. Though the tumult, he is there. We still have to go through the stress and anxieties of life, but he’s there to go through it with us, step-by-step. We have a guide to direct us, a shoulder to cry on, a friend to celebrate with, and a lover that wants the best for us.

For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:5

Christmas 2019 The God of...

The God of Light

The 2nd Day of Christmas

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
John 1:9

Life can be dark sometimes. Loneliness, painful events, and lack of direction in life brings on an emptiness that creates a shadow on the soul. Experiences of hatred, lack of gratitude, and intolerance can darken the soul even more. This darkness creates a longing for something more, a desire for a signpost to point in the direction of peace and joy.

Christ’s birth became that signpost. A light to direct us to a love so piercing, so enveloping, that it clears away the darkness in our soul. The sources responsible for the darkness aren’t gone. Instead, they are illuminated with a light that tells us we are loved in spite of them.

We are not alone. We are never alone. And, through Jesus, we have the light to show us how to navigate those dark times in our life and find joy.

See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; But upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears his glory.
Is 60:2

Christmas 2019 The God of...

The God of Joy

The 1st Day of Christmas

Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
Luke 2:10-12

Today marks the beginning of the church’s twelve day journey through the Christmas season from Christmas Day on December 25th to Epiphany on January 6th. After almost four weeks of expectation, our Savior brings us joy through His birth as a Savior child.

Jesus brings us the joy of salvation, love, and redemption. He doesn’t come as an oppressive ruler demanding obedience. He comes as a humble, vulnerable child, inviting us to let Him be a part of our lives. Through the birth of the newborn infant, we see the joy of new life. We stand in awe of God’s new life in the flesh, and we rejoice in the new life He brings for us.

The Israelites had a history of oppression, including the Babylonian, Assyrian, and Roman empires. Many Israelites were looking for a Savior King that would overthrow the Romans and bring autonomy back to Israel. Jesus brought them and us much more. Instead of release from external oppressors, He brings peace from our own internal oppressors, thus bringing us a full life of joy.

And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
Luke 1:14

Gratitude

Sadness and Gratitude

I woke up this morning to the news that a friend from high school passed away unexpectedly and a friend from church passed away after a long and painful illness. This is after the news last week that a student at my high school took his life.

Such sadness at a time when families should be celebrating joy, rebirth, and renewal. My heart is out to the families, and to all those that lost a loved one during this season.

I then saw this post. I can’t help but think the best way to honor all who have passed this holiday season is to remember what the season is about. Be grateful and thankful for the time we have with each other. Look for the good in each other and tell them when you see it. Let go of the past and look for a way each day to make yourself and everyone around you better.

Almost exactly two years ago today, Amzie Smith, another student from my high school, passed away from cancer. After being diagnosed, she chose to live the rest of her short life inspiring others. May we all remember her words.

“Happiness is a choice and every day you get to decide what you are going to live for.”

Dad

Dad’s Birthday

Tomorrow would have been my dad’s birthday. Occasionally, he would take us to this DQ for ice cream. He would give mom a much needed break from us kids. He taught us to celebrate life. He also taught us to always look out for others by making a point to bring something home for mom.

Today, I celebrate his life with his favorite DQ Double-Chocolate Double-Malt shake. Tomorrow is the traditional A&W root beer float. Happy Birthday Dad. Love and miss you.

Mission

Guatemala July 21-31

Mi Casa

I wanted to share the average living conditions of the families in Aldea Pueblo Modelo, Zacapa, Guatemala. Most families live in homes made of corrugated metal or plastic tied together and supported with branches, although some are mud and straw. Those with electricity will have a single wire strung to their home. There is no running water or sewers. Water is delivered, is expensive, and is stored in open barrels. Many homes have three structures: one for sleeping, one for cooking, and one for storing water, washing, bathroom & bathing. The weather has been in the upper 90’s most of the week, with no rain and a small breeze. Most of the year is too dry to grow much of anything, but they average 13″ of rain in May and 6″ in September.

There are few jobs in the village, and most have to travel to find work, some as far away as Guatemala City, almost four hours away. Most make much less than $100/mo.

The people here have been gracious, generous, and appreciative. The kids are playful and take their hardships in stride. Just seeing Maibely look at the house going up, and with a huge grin say “Mi casa” makes the whole trip worth it.

Day 1

We packed and delivered meals to a community that developed around a local dump. The residents, including children, sustain themselves by sorting through burning trash for food, recyclables, and items to sell.

Day 2

We’ve started on the house we are building this week. Today was preparing rebar, and putting up the vertical supports. The home in the background of the group shot is their current home. Other groups with us are doing physical therapy and occupational therapy, and veterinarian services including neutering pets.

Day 3

We mixed lots of concrete by hand, unloaded a truckload of block and laid one row, but had to stop early because we ran out of water. We then helped bury a family’s dog that was hit and the vets had to put down. Hard work, frustration and sadness superseded by the satisfaction of making a difference.

Day 4

We made great progress on the house, completing another four rows of block. The father is in the background of the house shot. The house is 13×15 and will be home for mom & dad, grandma, and three kids. It’s about 4 times bigger than what they have now. I’m including a picture of one of the daughters, Maibely, doing her homework. She practiced the alphabet by writing our names. She is full of smiles and a real cutie.

Day 5

We got to the work site and some men from the community came to help. They didn’t know English and we didn’t know Spanish, but everyone knew what needed to be done, and we made great progress. We almost finished the walls. I also got to spend some fun time with Maibely. She loves being on both sides of the camera.

The remaining work will be done by the next week’s crew. Some day, we hope to get back and see the finished home.

Dad

730 days

Post author By Steve
Post date May 27, 2018
No Comments on 730 days

My dad passed away two years ago today – 730 days.

730 – The number of times he attended games, meets, tournaments, performances, and graduations.
730 – The number of times he went hunting and fishing with his friends and family.
730 – The number of Double Chocolate-Double Malted Shakes and Rootbeer Floats ordered when he took us for ice cream.
730 – The number of times he would sneak table scraps to the dog while telling us not to.

730 minutes – How long he could spend working in the yard in a day.
730 – The number of times he mowed a neighbor’s lawn or shoveled their sidewalk.
730 – The number of things he stored in the basement because he ‘might need it later’.
7.30 – The average number of projects he would start at your house when he came to visit.

73,000 – The number of times mom had to warn him about something he was about to do.
73.0 – The number of times he actually listened to her.
730 – The number of epic stories that resulted from him not listening to her.

7.30 minutes – How long it took him to fall asleep when watching TV.
7.30 milliseconds – How long it took him to wake up if you changed the channel.

7.30 – The average number of trees he would hit in a round of golf.
730 yards – How far he wished he could hit a golf ball.
73.0 yards – How far he actually hit the ball before he finally gave up and started driving the cart.
730 yards – How far he drove the cart before it ended up in the creek.

730 – The number of Packer Games he watched.
730 – The number of games that a ref made a bad call if it went against the Packers.
73.0 minutes – How long he could talk about the last Packer game.
73.0 milliseconds – How long it took for him to come up with a snarky comment for Vikings fans.

730 months – The approximate number of months dad was active and taught us lessons of love, compassion, self-sufficiency and the importance of caring for others.
730 weeks – The approximate number of the final weeks dad was debilitated from his MS and taught us lessons of perseverance, courage, grace and the importance of allowing others to care for you.

730 days, he’s been watching us from above.
730 days, I wish he was still with us.
730 days, I’ve missed him.
730 days.

Compassion

Compassion begins with us

Post author By Steve
Post date November 13, 2016
No Comments on Compassion begins with us

This week, the loving father of a 7th grade member of our youth group died unexpectedly. Seeing the pain of loss on the faces of the family put things in perspective.

Social media and everyday conversations are filled with “he lied”, “she lied”, “he’s not my president”, “send her to jail”,”his supporters are hateful and gullible”,”her supporters are stupid and sore losers.”

Friends, it is time to change our conversations. It can no longer be about THEIR lack of morals and compassion, but how WE can respond with compassion, mercy, graciousness, and hope. What THEY may have done or might do doesn’t excuse US from doing what’s right.

Friends, if your first reaction is “I hope THEY listen” or “tell it to THEM”, I am respectfully speaking directly to YOU. We can’t fight this with more of the same. We need to respond to callousness with compassion, revenge with forgiveness, and fear with hope. It will take all of us.

Let’s do it together.

Tags Compassion, Politics

Compassion

St. Teresa of Calcutta

Mother Teresa was canonized today. There are also the rebuttals that state she was flawed, doubted her faith and was not who she seemed. We should not reject those flaws and doubts. In fact, we should embrace them.

The Catholic Church does not canonize Saints because they are perfect. Individuals are canonized because they overcame their flaws and doubts and, in spite of them, committed themselves to the love of God and humanity. They are canonized to give us examples of how we, flawed and doubtful as we are, can do the same. Maybe we won’t become the next Saint Teresa of Calcutta, but as she said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”