Thy Will Be Done

Whether we are young or old, rich or poor many of us are stuck with the idea that we must change the world. At one point I wanted to become an astronaut and go to space. It seemed like the most splendid thing I could accomplish. What greater adventure could there be than reaching those shining stars? Mind you, I am no longer working towards blasting off into the space. My focuses are slightly closer to home.

Trusting God When We Seem to Be Lost

“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.”

― Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude

Can I Get a Witness?

Have you ever loved something so much that you just had to share it with everyone? A favorite pizza place that you always visit. That awesome bar that you take all of your friends to. Or that one dish your mother makes each year and you talk about it for days on end. Why is that? What is it about those things that makes you so passionate that you just can't keep it to yourself? Is it the taste? Is it the way it looks? Is it the memories you've had? Or perhaps it's something more...

Sanctifying the everyday in the age of YOLO

            As we begin the season of Easter, I reflect on my Lenten experience and optimistically bring new habits and insights into this new self that has risen with Christ. Now, if you were to ask me to share a profound moment of my Lenten journey that left me flabbergasted and radically changed, I would be unable to rise to this challenge and illustrate such a moment. This is not to say, however, my journey was “ordinary.” Though tempted, I stray from such a label because “ordinary” carries such a bland and insignificant connotation. It would imply that this season of Lent was just another period of time in my life, “filler” time if you will, that left no lasting impact and simply led me from point A to point B. I would argue that, in the past, my own concept of “ordinary” carried such a tone. I regarded different seasons of my life as “normal” and “with no special or distinctive features” that did not fit into my vision and pursuit of holiness or the “best-version-of-myself.” I was just wasting time to get where I needed to be. This Lent, however, my own concept of “ordinary” was challenged. I was invited by a spiritual guide to not simply walk through life from “extraordinary” moment to “extraordinary” moment, trudging in the “ordinary” in between, but to sanctify each and every moment.  

Light of Christ

Happy Easter one and all! Jesus Christ is risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Easter is a day of light. A day when the darkness has been shattered. Let us shout joyfully to the world that this day is a blessed day indeed.

Let Your Light Shine

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

            It’s a common saying “You may be the only bible some people read,” or “You may be the only Jesus some people see.” Imagine how different our behavior would be if we lived each day with this in mind. You see, people pay attention to our actions and whether we realize it or not our actions have the power to influence others. The question is whether you will use your influence on others for good or for bad.

Shine Bright

I believe there is something wonderful about candles that has always mesmerized humans. Even in our modern day and age we see them when they are no longer needed. Some are used for prayer and some are used to help us relax while others are used for birthday cakes. These small objects give light and something a little extra. Since this blog is titled "Shine" I wanted to share my reflection on how each of us can be a candle in the world.