My Sacred Space for Today

There is a web site run by an Irish order of Catholic religious called Sacred Space. I do not always go there on a daily basis, but I found myself clicking the favorites tab on my browser this morning. Today is my sixteenth wedding anniversary and my wife Joyce is resigning her position at a job she has worked for ten years. Now, this does not seem like a major issue since people change jobs all the time for various reasons. The fact that it is our anniversary and that Joyce is making a lateral move mainly because of the pettiness of coworkers and the dysfunctional work environment in which she has had to contend with the past year or so. The root of my uneasiness comes in light of my own struggles with being unemployed yet deeply blessed by the spirit of volunteerism and the cause of raising children.

And so, today, I am asked to consider where things stand between God and me? Where do I see myself in relation to his example of being non-judgmental? What are the things I am grateful for? Are there things that I regret and need forgiveness for? These weigh heavy on my mind as the autumn breeze blows and the turning of leaves remind me that change is inevitable. As I contemplate these questions, the realization of God’s presence fills me with gratitude for so many incredible realities from this past week.

I am grateful for the heart of volunteers who graciously, and perhaps with some reservation, step forward to be counted among the few who are called “leaders.” I am grateful for the love of parents who know full well that their children require structure and an environment where they can grow to be productive, healthy and responsible human beings. I am grateful for the day with its partly cloudy skies and the rain that must eventually fall, the sun that lights the way and the moon which stands as a reminder of God’s vigilance throughout the night. I am grateful for the reader, like you and the creator of all things upon whose shoulders the fate of our children rests; a God who loves us in spite of ourselves. Amen.

Truly Blessed

From me to you I would like to share a few thoughts. Many years ago my parents and I were given the choice to become involved in a program that is rich in tradition and history and marked by the character and commitment of caring individuals. Little did I know as a WEBELOS scout how much influence this program would have on my life. You see, I have been blessed to have parents who cared enough to take me to den meetings and supported my journey into adulthood. I don’t think even they realized the impact it would have on their youngest son.

Today, speaking as a parent myself, I want you to know how blessed you all are to still have this program available to your boys. I have seen the ups and downs that life throws our way on more than one occasion, but I can say that I got through the toughest of those times by relying on the values and experiences I gained as a scout. I truly do not know where I would be today had I not been prepared to go out into the world and make the best of what God gave me. Even though there were times when I felt so overwhelmed by the pressures of peers or the demands of work or service to country in the military; scouting was, as it says in scripture, “a lamp unto to my feet and a light unto my path”

And so, as the fog lifts from the dew covered grass of an early September morning, let us consider what path our boys will travel on their own journey through life. Sure, they will accumulate the memories of victory and defeat, the triumphs of accomplishment and the sheer joy of new life coming into the world, but how will they handle the worst of times and put them into perspective with the best? Will they have a trusty moral compass to guide them or will they simply be left to flounder like so many lost souls on the ocean of life? I would like to think that our sons will draw upon the wisdom of the deep and go forth confident and prepared to face whatever challenges come their way. This is why I am truly blessed; to have been a scout and to always be a scout. Amen and God Bless.

Witt

Looking Back

Time seems to have gone by so quickly these past few months. It seems very little has changed in me lately, but I have seen my boys grow taller and the scope of my life reach out further than I ever imagined as a quiet kid so many years ago. The Lord has been kind and generous indeed. Though I do not always see the wisdom in his ways or the vision he has for me, I know there is a purpose and a path.
Last evening I had the privilege and joy to work with a few new Cub Scouts who recently joined our pack. I remember the last minute preparations as I scrambled to get ready for the meeting. I almost forgot how not long ago my youngest son had been a tiger cub and how much fun it was to be there with him as he began his journey through scouting. Today, I think of the legacy that will be left behind as my son and I will progress into the Boy Scout program in a few months from now. As a Cubmaster, I can only do so much to promote the ideals, means and methods of Cub Scouting, but it will be up to those who follow in my footsteps to keep the program going in our small town. This is my hope and prayer today; that my vision, example and prayers can keep the smiles coming and the young boys advancing down the path of an organization that is so deeply imbedded in my heart. I just hope that the lost ones can be led back to the pack as busy parents and busy kids put scouting aside for other pursuits seemingly more important.
Looking back to this past weekend, I remember watching the news coverage of the funeral of Senator Ted Kennedy. These past forty seven years have been witness to the birth of Camelot, the tragedy of sudden death, war and the triumph of man in space. Still, the perseverance of some has been the down fall of others as barriers have crumbled to dust and memory. But there is much to do and progress to mark as the struggle continues for access to the great accomplishments of mankind. Whether it is adequate health care for everyone, economic freedom or simply the acceptance that all men are crated equal; my hopes lie in the hands of our children. With faith in a kind and forgiving god, let us as leaders, parents and teachers set the example which leads our children with purpose for a better world.
So, where do we go from here? Speeches and rhetoric can only go so far. Might I suggest we take a moment to simply play with our kids and remind ourselves not to get carried away with work or worries about tomorrow; for all we truly have is today. Let us not forget to praise and lead by example as the youth of our past becomes the driving force that challenges us to be good stewards of God’s creation; for life is the most precious gift we have and our children the seeds which grow from our undying devotion. Witt.