hope – …my temporary assignment.

And it is gonna be great.

Daily writing prompt

What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?

Longevity ebbs and flows in my family. I remember my grandpa driving at 97, before he thought Uber was a better mode of transport. Well, maybe not Uber, but “Uncle”. Then there is my younger brother that just passed two years ago.

So it is what it is.

As far as I am concerned, for the purposes of today’s assignment, it comes down to being fully intentional about making the most of what you have been gifted.

Experience tells me that allocating the precious resources granted for this moment towards resentment, regret and retribution of the past is not what it is cracked up to be. Then, if you embark in advance of the here and now predicated on the approach of, “…that didn’t work, so I will cut this corner and use that short cut this time sround”, you pretty much added to an already sorrowful past.

The past is what it was. The future is what it may be. The present is just that, a present like Mr. Keane said a few days ago. That being said, I have no clue as to what living a long life is to me. If I can make the most out of every hour of every day going forward, then that will elongate my stay here.

When it comes time to give my notice, my only desire is that I can rest in peace knowing I gave it my everything. We are all gifted this position here on earth. Toiling in the dirt and debris of the past or buzzing about in the ether of the future would make me a worm or a fly. Nothing against them, but I like to think my focus needs to be on living life, not looking for feces.

So perhaps my longevity ends up somewhere between my grandpa and my brother. So be it.

Whatever the case, I have a lot to do today.

And it is gonna be great.

“I love you”

Daily writing prompt

If you had a freeway billboard, what would it say?

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Once I embarked on my journey towards faith, two things were revealed. One, that the story would remain a constant, following a path that shared the seasons. This brings with it a sense of peace and serenity, knowing the way. But more stunning to me is the fact that along each step of the way, I become aware of something new, different and touching.

Perhaps it is how the story is told, through a multitude of voices, perspectives and experiences that provides greater impact and deeper meaning. Add to that the fact that the moments and revelations shared were not of this century, the prior, or even millenia. They were uttered or written long, long ago, spoken in to others with ancient tongues and dialects, detailed with reed and papyrus. And yet, at this instant, they maintain a revelance and power far beyond anything today.

Just over the past few days, John speaks of the difference of being one of the world and being one of God. How our infirmities and debilitation is fostered, raised and enhanced by things all around us. Being caught up in these concerns, like resentment, ego and self-righteousness, takes one down a ruinous path, speaking from my own experience. But upon letting go of things born of the world around you, an altogher different life takes hold. In a comforting, sustaining and altogher safe way.

His only son was sent here to teach all of us how to live and to love. When you feel as though there is nothing left for you, that you are worthless, unvalued and ruined, you can leave this world behind. Not in a hopeless manner. But in a hope-full approach. So as to truly be what you were made for, with true intention, trust and the knowledge that you are loved steadfastly and singularly.

We may be on the earth for now, but by no means does this require us to be of this world. We have the free will to choose.

And finally, to just live.

So if I had a billboard?

How about this:

“I love you”

Fully open for Christmas day.

Lenten devotionals offered at church have become one of my favorite pieces of literature each spring. A great way to help set the tone for the forty day journey. And now, Advent devotionals have found a similar place of prominence in my heart.

There is so much to the words that have been chosen to detail and reveal faith. And as I have told a close friend on numerous occasions, each time I am present for a reading or the homily, I hear something new. Another nugget of the greater lesson to consider and add to my understanding. Words that if taken to heart and applied to life, affirm grace and provide peace

Take “adventus” for example.

The Latin word from which advent was born. The Catholic Exchange takes it a few steps farther:

“Adventus is a form of the verb advenio which is defined not only as arrive, come to, but also as develop, set in, and arise. Adventus itself also refers to an invasion, incursion, ripening, and appearance—all denotations that are rich with implications for the gospel accounts of Christ.

So if you think about it, the rhyme for this season is not only centered on an arrival, or the coming. But in a deeper sense, it has everything to do with development. Incursion. And ripening.

Advent is about developing a rhythm of life that instills purpose within the waiting. It is about allowing the words to find their way not just into your head through your ears. But into your soul through your heart. Letting them nurture and sustain you throughout the coming weeks – and beyond.

So that your faith can grow and bloom in full.

Fully open for Christmas day.

A hero.

The times in which we find ourselves could be defined as uncharted, challenging and just downright complex. An ever expanding array of perilous world events. Protest. Distrust. Separation. Isolation. Anger. Times in desperate need of heroes.

Things that suddenly and seemingly appear as fact in the ether of the internet creating anxiety, angst or anger; in or unintentionally. The stories one hears about from “so and so” via social media, snaps that lead to endless meaningless chats, obscure podcasts from an even more obscure expert or the truth thrice shared from the influencer du jour.

But with some faith, discernment, perseverance and presence, the good in all of this can still be found. It is not that it is hidden, unavailable or too costly to pursue. Just that it is human nature to see the negative first rather than investing, hunkering down, leaning into and embracing the positive that exists within all of this adversity.

It is simply stunning to see the number of heroes that are being revealed each and every moment across the globe.

Leaders of all births, upbringings and life experiences that come to light every hour. Strangers that are willing to leave it all out there for the one next to them with nary a regard for their own person. Regardless of social standing, responsibility or title, men and women are literally putting their lives on the line. For that person next to them, that person’s family, town, region, country and way of life.

This just doesn’t happen. It is a mindset that is entirely born from within. An entity that possesses a character, integrity, commitment and strength all its own. All of which is predicated, derives its sustenance from and thrives on putting yourself aside and giving it all up for the guy or gal next to you. Making it not about you. Just all about them.

Give witness to what it is going on in the world and imagine its impact here in your home town. Each of you can be that kind of hero right here. Not in an international way but in a local community sense. You need not be recognized for it, command headlines or capture x number of views because of it.

You just need to be it.

And do it.

Then, trust that the rest of it will take care of itself.

As one of many that aims to do so, please try to do the same. Leave it all out there to make it about them – not you. Overcoming oneself in the process.

Because in the end, this will be an action that not only helps to make them, but will transform you as well. Losing yourself is actually a great path toward true awareness and self-discovery. In that can be found the bounty of recovery, purpose and a profound sense of joy.

So you can keep the mask and cape to yourself. They are not requisite for heroism. But those you love enough to help rescue will recognize that uniform immediately.

Since your soul has been clothed as such.

A hero.