Monday, November 26, 2012

We Are All Called to Greatness

(November 23, 2012)
There have been a few recurring themes popping up in my life lately. The main ones are: God calling me to greatness and leadership, and fear of failure. Huh? If you noticed the same thing I did, you realized that these two themes do not exactly promote one another.

For the longest time, even in the midst of leadership roles, I have fallen to believing that I was not good enough or worthy to hold such a position. I was always honored by the selection made by my peers, but the internal belief in my own heart that I am here for a purpose - to do something great for this world, and to lead and inspire other men to do something great as well - had never really taken a hold of me. Recent events are leading me to internalize this call to greatness more and more and...the fear of failure, while honestly still present, is beginning to lose its grasp.

First, having shared some of my leadership roles of the past with the community of men I live with now, one man in particular has reminded me that those roles don't just get handed out to anybody. The most significant was my term as President of my fraternity. Now, I will say here that I get really uncomfortable talking about myself because I never want to come off as arrogant or as building up my own ego. However, what I have come to realize is that this has caused me to downplay some of my achievements as routine. I don't think that I completely ignored my gifts, however, the fear of failure that I mentioned has been subconsciously impeding me from being fully aware of and embracing those gifts because that would mean I would have to take on the responsibility of using them, which in turn would mean taking a risk of failing. The responsibility is not what scares me, rather, the idea that whatever I do won't be enough to get the job done. Here is where the reminders come into play. Others in the past have seen something in me that inspires them. Like I said, I don't want to "toot my own horn" but I do want to express true humility in recognizing the gifts that God has given me and use them to the best of my ability to glorify Him. I have an ability to inspire others. Having identified that, the next step is how will I utilize that gift for the betterment of the world of men around me?

Next, I have been recognizing more and more the heavy investment of my superiors in my team and, for the purpose of this note, in myself. They also see someone who is worth investing in. Otherwise, why would they bother with their precious time sharing experience and knowledge that would be better suited elsewhere? God has given me something that I have got to learn how to wield. The attacks on humanity are relentless: abortion, poverty, murder, sex trafficking, pornography, depression, physical ailments, war...the list goes on. I want to solve all of the problems of the world. Don't we all. But the fact of the matter is that the task is WAY too big for any one person on his/her own. And, as we are many parts, my strengths are not going to be best suited for some (most) of these issues. Sure, I could absolutely apply them in all of these areas of need, and good work would be accomplished. But I ask myself, "Where is the BEST use of my time and gifts"? That question is still in the air for further discernment. My superiors are teaching me many practical skills to succeed in wherever it is that that question leads me. Not only to play some small role, but to LEAD and INSPIRE others in a mission to change the world in some way.

This one is a little on the abstract side because anybody could have been watching the movie and heard the same lines from this scene. But I don't believe in coincidences because I think that every event has its purpose; whether we pay attention to more than its surface-level meaning or not is another thing. Anyway, I was channel surfing one night - with all of this "call to greatness," "leadership," "inspiration," and "fisher of men" business hot on my mind when I came across the Chronicles of Narnia. I never read the books. Saw one of the movies. I'm no crazed fan or anything, but for some reason, I stopped. All of the creatures were gathered around one man (I don't even actually know the character's name) as a great battle was coming upon them soon. They all looked to him. They said they would go to battle...if HE would lead them. Who is waiting for me to step up? Who will I lead?

Recognition of a call to greatness, for me and hopefully for all who hear that call, should not become a power-thirsty aspiration for vain glory. I know better than to be a prideful leader, although I am not naive to the objective temptation to gloat when a leadership role is taken. Temptations will certainly arise to say, “Look at everything that I am doing.” No. Look at everything that GOD is doing through me by inspiring me and giving life to my gifts. Yes, I am acting on that inspiration and seeking those areas where I can serve, but none of it is possible without the Great Musician. Make me an instrument.

As I am writing this out, it came to my mind that the purpose of my sharing this note with others is one in the same as the gift that I have come to recognize in myself. INSPIRE. My aim for including YOU is not to gloat about this newly discovered gift of mine; rather, it is to encourage YOU in your own call to greatness. Your unique gifts are waiting within you, waiting to be recognized, waiting to be utilized and put into action to do “something beautiful for God.” St. Catherine of Siena said, “Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire.” My prayer for all of you is that you can spread like a wildfire by allowing God to work in incredible ways through you; ways that you never even thought imaginable.

Glorify God in everything that you think, say, and do. Set the world on FIRE!!!

Saturday, April 28, 2012

A Message to Women

The other night, with the help of some good friends, we put on an event for the women of Rockhurst. The men who put this night together want to take a stand against the way that women are mistreated in our world. The turnout was good, about 15-20 girls who shared their insight on the issue. After some discussion, we then showed a video that a few of us put together. The video can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OjKRmonPdU. Six other men who also wanted to address the issue were willing to stand up at the front of the room with a promise:
"I am a man. I promise to respect and uphold the dignity of women. I promise to view women as people rather than objects. I will enter into respectful relationships with the women in my life, striving always to have their best interest at heart. Furthermore, I promise to be selfless in my relationships, seeking out opportunities to serve women and not my own selfish interests.
I will not allow women to believe the lies held by society. I will not allow women to disrespect themselves through language, dress, or action. I will not stand by quietly while other men disrespect women.
I will not let this promise stop with me. Through my words and actions, I will seek to inspire others to share in this promise, and to create a world in which women receive the proper dignity that they inherently deserve."

We then passed out these Dove chocolates while the song, "You're Amazing" by Bruno Mars played.
The beginnings were small, but my hope and prayer is that the conversation from that night carries into the lives of those present and they can share that with more and more people. Wildfires don't start out as wildfires. They start small and spread, putting flame to everything they touch. That is what I would love to see this turn into. The event was the smouldering sticks and leaves...
Ah, and here are four reasons why this message is so important to me:










Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Reap What You Sow (or Knit)

Last week was my 22nd birthday. So many blessings came out of last week. I received the Hawk of the Year Award, was voted Greek god, and my fraternity won Greek Week. We got to celebrate at Winstead's afterwards. I got a couple of very special gifts from Colleen - a new "Justin Boots" hat, and a bottle for memories between the two of us over the past year and a half. This was undoubtedly the most cherished gift. Bottled memories that I will never forget.

I would like to share, however, about a gift that I received from Carolyn, from Sudexo. Flashback to first semester. Her brother had a stroke and so I told her that I would be praying for him and for her family. We spoke a few more times throughout the semester and she would update me on how he was doing. Carolyn, out of the great kindness of her heart, gave of her time and talent to give me a very special birthday gift. She knitted an entire blanket for me. I was extremely moved that she had spent so much time putting it together for me. She was so excited - she was telling me about it weeks before my birthday saying that she was making something for me. Now, not to say that I was ever expecting anything out of showing kindness to Carolyn to begin with - she was going through a struggle and I was happy to be there to comfort her whenever she needed - but this is a great lesson for me in how kindness pays off so greatly in the end. We reap what we sow sort of deal. I think that bad things still happen to good people, of this there is no doubt, but I also think that if we make the extra effort to help others in their times of need, someone WILL be there for us when we need it.

Carolyn, thank you so much for the blanket and your friendship. God bless.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

A Little Love Can Change It All

Entering into the final month of my senior year, I have been thinking a lot about what wisdom I would like to pass on to those behind me. I do not wish to share the wisdom because I think that it's better than what others have gained in their owns lives, in fact, I have learned a great deal from people who are younger than I am; however, simply going by numbers, with age comes life experience, with life experience comes wisdom. This wisdom is enhanced by reflection, something that I have become quite fond of over the past few years.

If I had to narrow my thoughts to share just one huge life lesson, it would be this: let my life serve as a witness to the love of Christ. I certainly will not claim perfection here. I want others to know that they are loved. Violence, depression, suicide, and other related issues are all effects that sprout from, I believe, the roots of people not feeling loved. I desire, in any small way that I can, to show people that there is SOMEONE who recognizes them and cares about their well-being. A little bit goes a long way. I know the difference that a small act of love makes in my life, and so I want my words and actions to provide that for others. And if they know that I can love them in some small way, I want people to know that that is but a glimpse of the love that Jesus has for them. If we all devoted half the time to this as we do to aimlessly complaining about everything that is wrong in the world, I wholeheartedly believe that we'd see a vast turnaround in the morale of the world. Small scale beginning with enormous potential.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Buoy-ya!

This weekend was densely packed with great memories. Every spring, my fraternity has a formal; for the past three years, that has consisted of renting a bus and having a dinner/dance in downtown KC somewhere. Fun, but overdone. This year, we changed it up a little bit. We got out of town for the weekend and took a road trip to Stockton Lake a couple of hours away where we rented cabins for the weekend. It was such a perfect weekend.

Friday night, we all ate dinner together (about 60 people in one cabin with all the guys and dates) then a bunch of us went up to the lodge, some for the hot tub, some for the putting green. Colleen, Paul, Matt, and I stayed on the putting green for hours, making attempts at all the different holes. The next day, a few of us got up to watch the sunrise over the lake. Then, after a mid-morning nap and breakfast, we headed down to the beach.














Arguably the best surprise of the weekend was the pontoon boat. Initially it was going to cost each person about $10 to go for two hours, which would have been great, but Jay Cross, the manager of the cabins, was so excited to get his boat out on the water for the first time of the season that he took two groups each for two hours FOR FREE!!! He took us to a spot where we went cliff jumping too, which is always awesome. It was Colleen's first jump, so she and I jumped together. Side note, my first cliff jump, I stood at the top for about twenty minutes before I finally got up the courage...Colleen showed no signs of hesitation. So brave, so proud!
Evening came and we had a barbeque for dinner (Jay was invited as a thank you for his generosity). We had a dance party and watched the Final Four games in the so-called, "Man Cave" cabin.

To sum up the weekend, I'm just so blessed to have the opportunities to live life to the full. My final semester here at Rockhurst is jam-packed with so many cherished memories I can't even count. In short, AMDG.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Transition Looming

With six weeks left of classes and a half week of finals, reality is swiftly and surely setting in. Conversations about what I have come to learn over the past four years, how I have grown, and what the future has in store are becoming all the more prevalent.

While I will, without hesitation, admit to plenty of fears about the uncertainties which lie ahead, I am moving into the next chapter of life with full confidence that I'm going to be alright. Faith, family, and friends will be there for me through the inevitable challenges that will arise. Also, I know that the difficult times with be counteracted with just enough, if not an overwhelming amount of joyous memories that will undoubtedly keep me going.

I must constantly remind myself that even though I only have a short amount of time left here, I still have six weeks to make the most of my college experience. It's easy, especially during a time leading up to a big change, to think about how things are going to be different when the change comes about; the choice that I am trying to challenge myself to is to be consciously present in the here and now. Dwelling too much on the future (or the past for that matter) is dangerous because I have found that when I do that, I can't enjoy the moment. And then I miss it altogether.

I continue to grow and understand more and more. I think the most significant lesson that I have learned over the past four years is that, whether in the classroom or in life, I will always be learning. New experiences will present new challenges and new discoveries which will lead to increased wisdom.

Monday, March 19, 2012

When I Grow Up...I Wanna Be Like My Dad

Well, today I have the challenge of attempting to condense this past weekend into a short summary. I feel like I could write a book. I will hit the highlights.

My dad came to Kansas City for the first time since we visited together during my senior year of high school four years ago. It was just me and my dad. A walk around campus and a walk to Loose Park had us both ready for dinner. Salmon, potatoes, vegetables and garlic bread. Then we spent the rest of the evening watching March Madness.

Saturday we went down to the plaza for a cup of coffee and a stroll around. He told me in the fullest detail about how he and my mom had met. I had heard bits and pieces over the years, but I got the full story. Later, we went to the Rockhurst baseball game. Dad and son at a ball game on a Saturday afternoon. Doesn't get much better than that. Plus, Rockhurst pulled out a come-from-behind victory. Afterwards, Colleen met us for Mass and then we all went out to dinner together. I was really excited to have them meet and they got to know each other really well over dinner. I could tell who was doing most of the talking because both my dad and Colleen had tons of food leftover; I just got to sit back and watch. My dad shared stories about growing up, pulling pranks on his sister and he also shared with Colleen the story he had shared with me that morning about how he and my mom had met. Colleen talked about all of the things she is involved in and some about her parents and family - we didn't quite get around to the "Application to Date My Son."

The Red Letter event of the weekend took place at dinner on Sunday right before I took my dad to the airport. The wisdom-provoking question: "Was there ever a time that you and mom thought that it was going to be over?" After a couple of anecdotes of fights, both big and long-lasting, my dad said something that I will never forget. He said, "I will never leave your mom." Simple words, right. I couldn't hold back. I started crying. Afraid that he had shared too much, he began to apologize. I told him not to. I said that it was exactly what I needed to hear. The last time that he said that it had even crossed his mind was long before I even ever noticed that they fought. I simply responded letting him know that I couldn't be more proud to have him as my dad.

One of the plagues of our generation is fatherless homes. The absence of real men in our society is, in my opinion, the root of many of the injustices in our country and our world. God has blessed me with a father who, more through his actions than his words necessarily, has taught me more than he may even know about what it means to be a real man. Dad, what can I say? Thank you.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Childhood, Revisited

This weekend, I volunteered with the Girl Scouts. I would like to say that I have a lot of flat out, pure fun but Saturday I got to be a kid at heart. To start, crafts. When was the last time I did crafts? Well, outside of being a resident assistant, I honestly can't remember. A birthday party when I was 10, maybe. Either way, came home with my own personalized picture frame - made out of tongue depressors, or as I like to call them, "Aaah sticks" from the doctor's office.

While the crafts were all fun and good, I like just going a little nuts with some physical activity too. It sort of happened as an accident. I was helping one of the girls bring her picture frame to the drying table and when I turned around, she jumped on my back for a piggyback ride. I started walking around the gym. Then she wanted me to go faster. There was an empty stretch on the sidelines so I started running. I might have bit off more than I could chew. That decision initiated a line of 8-year-old girls waiting for their turn. One girl at a time got up for a piggyback ride while the rest of the group raced me down the sideline and back. Eight-year-old kids are heavier than I thought. I got tired quick! Well, I took it up a notch...one girl on my back one on the front. I was alright for the run down, but when I turned around, I lost my balance and all three of us collapsed on the floor. No injuries. Laughter from all except for the supervisor. Whoops! Game over. It was fun while it lasted.

I wish that we could all have fun like that all of the time. Reckless abandon. I just want to live life to the fullest. Having fun just seems to become more and more complicated as we get older. When did that happen? I think back to a day when I watched my three younger cousins, entertained by a single balloon for literally two and a half hours. Something so simple. Such pure joy. Now, I think about how easily I get bored. I love the occasions when I get to return to that state of mind, simplifying life back into what it is meant to be, joyous and fun. Oh to be a kid again!

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Listening: A Great Gift of Being Present

I realized when I had finished writing this blog that I had somewhat jumped all over the place...hope it comes together well and makes sense for the reader!

My neighbor has had a rough go over the last week. I had not met him until yesterday when I decided that I would provide some comfort in the form of my mom’s banana bread. It turned out to be a great time because Colleen came over for a few hours and helped me bake it and then we delivered it to, as we found out yesterday, Jared.

Our society is go, go, go all of the time. I know that personally, I get so busy that too often I only think about myself and my own struggles and I forget that other people are hurting too. Everyone is carrying their own cross. A challenge for myself: I would like to stop myself from complaining about all of my “first-world problems” and be more in tune with others. When I am with other people, I want them to feel like I am REALLY there – listening. I have found myself lately falling into making people think that I’m really paying attention by responding with cues like, “Yes, that makes sense” or “I understand” when I had actually just been making really good eye contact and my mind was in a completely different place. I do hate it when that happens. Because I truly do care about other people and what they’re going through – or what joys that have to share with me. And I want to share in both because I know that when people console me in difficult times, it brings me comfort knowing that I am not in it alone; or when they smile and get excited when I tell them great news, it enhances my joy knowing that I can share that with someone else.

Call me an idealist, I do believe that it's possible for people to be reasonable with one another. It's a matter of making decisions based on commitments rather than on feelings and emotions. I paraphrase: "Be diligent in the small things, and you will become faithful in serious matters." For the past few weeks, I have made it a goal of mine not to eat or drink anything after midnight except for water. The aforementioned quote has come to mind multiple times during that time when I have thought to myself in the midst of a late-night craving, "What does it matter if I have a small snack, it's really not that big of a deal." In truth, does it really matter if I have a handful of chips at 12:05am? No, not actually. But the principle of the situation is this: I have made a commitment and I want to train myself to be a man of my word for more important issues.

Now, to tie these two themes together. I know there have been times in my life when I have been upset with people, even and especially with those whom I love the most. If I treated them poorly and deserted them because of one instance of being upset with them then I wouldn't have any friends or family left. Being more present and aware of what others might be going through and simply listening to people is, in my opinion, a pivotal aspect in turning this world around and bringing people together rather than ignoring and separating everyone which leads to misunderstandings and chaos.

Be aware of feelings; do not ignore them because they are there for a reason. But do not allow them to control you, or make decisions for you.


Sunday, February 12, 2012

Bitter Cold Build

Some guys from my fraternity volunteered at a Habitat build on Saturday. The past month, every weekend has been beautiful weather. Not this weekend. When we arrived at 8am it was below 20 degrees. Good thing they had already installed the heating in one of the houses!

They did need to recruit a group of people to do some work on a house outside, putting up plywood siding on the framework of the house. We took turns hammering, holding the ladder, and shifting into the other house when we couldn't feel our fingers and toes anymore. After a couple of hours doing the outdoor work, we had finished the task and there was only indoor work for us in the heated house. Perfect timing! It was just starting to get warm outside!

Sharon was the woman for whom one of the homes was being built. Habitat requires people who are accepted to work 350 "equity hours" in order to earn their new home. Sharon was at 500 and still going. She said she was even going to donate all of her extra hours to others who are working on their homes. What a lady!

Great day overall. I came home and zonked out in my bed in the middle of the afternoon. May or may not have missed an obligation because I slept through my alarm...whoops! I definitely needed it though. An awesome day of bonding with my brothers and other people from our community.

Monday, February 6, 2012

A Whole New World!

Childhood, please make your way into my twenties as the classic Disney film comes to the stage at the Kaufmann Theater. OK!

At the beginning of the semester, I talked with my roommate about going to see Aladdin on stage at the new Kaufmann Theater just on the south side of downtown KC. When I finally got a chance to look into it about a week and a half ago, I realized, oh! it's next weekend. Well, acting quickly, I thought it would be a perfect date night for Colleen and I. I was able to get in touch with some other friends who also thought it was a great opportunity for us all to go out and enjoy each other. Quadruple date +1 = a fantastic night, reliving childhood memories.

I got to meet a new friend who I will be going to Nicaragua with in under a month. Alex Boesch. Holy smokes. What a man! Can't wait to spend an entire week with this guy. We hit it right off, going shopping for groceries for the potluck dinner that we had before the show. That awkward, "I don't know what we're supposed to talk about because we just met and this is really weird" was not there. It was so cool! As we shopped, we also took the night up a notch, grabbing a bouquet of flowers for our beautiful dates.

After a post-show ice cream at Winstead's, we went back to one of the girl's house, Anna, and four of us had some great conversation. And then...Just Dance 3 on the Wii. Abandon any pride you might be carrying before you play this game. It was so great! We capped the evening off in the best way possible. The four of us prayed together, praising God for the incredible blessings of the night and lifted up personal intentions. God is GREAT!

Monday, January 30, 2012

Expect the Extraordinary

Can an idea change the way you live your life? I didn't use to think it could - so dramatically anyway. I've always thought of myself to be a relatively positive person, but when I heard this wisdom from a priest in his homily over the Christmas break, I really let it sink in. Now, this view on life is a motto that I live by daily. Not on my own, of course. I don't simply expect extraordinary things to happen for no reason. I expect them to happen because of Jesus Christ.

I truly do see a lot of things in a different light than I would say most people that I come across. I am honestly in wonder at the very basic functions of the human body - all of the chemical reactions and messages that have to go just right for me to bend my arm, all happening at an unbelievable speed. Anyway this new faith-based motto has really changed the way that I approach life. Do I fall into despair sometimes, of course, I'm human after all; but striving for true hope and faith that God is in complete control gives me such freedom to enjoy the pleasures that life has to offer. Are there issues in our world that seem hopeless and lost? YES. But that is only because we focus on things have been in the past and we become content with the status quo and for whatever reason decide that it's not worth fighting for because it's hopeless. Challenge: try. If there is something that you would like to see changed in your life, try. This is going to be a little preachy, but be the change you want to see in the world. Every day, we are presented with opportunities to make a difference in our lives and in the lives of others - even if its something small. And actually, I believe those small, everyday things to be so much more important because they add up...QUICK!

Well, I hope that others can find a motto that can do for them what "Expect the Extraordinary" has done for me. God bless.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Leadership Escalator

This weekend I went to Washington, D.C. for the March for Life. First of all...WOW!!! Half of a million people gathered together to march onto Capitol Hill and in front of the Supreme Court to protest the injustice of abortion - towards babies and women. I'm going to go into an experience from the weekend, but first I just quickly want to encourage anyone who desires a culture of life for our country...there is hope and we are going to win with perseverance, dedication, and prayer. The tides are turning!

During our time in D.C. we had to ride the Metro in order to get around. We were exiting with a large crowd of people and I fell behind my group and so I was weaving between people trying to catch up. I got to the escalator and realized that the people I knew were at the front of the line about halfway up already. There was another escalator void of anyone that wasn't moving. I decided that I could catch up to them if I went up the one that nobody was on. When I got even with my group, our eyes met and apparently that signaled the competitive green light in my head and I started running up the escalator. The race was on and the people from my group also started sprinting. Well I got second place...I'm not disappointed...theirs was moving. Anyway, a little later on while we were on another bus someone was talking about it and mentioned the crowd of people that were running behind me - people who were not with our group. I didn't realize it while it was happening but apparently, I had provoked a whole crowd to run with reckless abandon up the escalator.
Now, here's the lesson that I'm taking out of this: our actions affect others. Brand new revelation, right?! Well, I just got to thinking how we can all find opportunities to lead others in our lives. Live out what you believe in your heart to be true and be in tune to how others respond. I've got room for improvement in both aspects. You never know how people are going to react. I was not trying to inspire people to sprint up the escalator, but they followed. Be aware of your actions and strive to make them worth following.