I'd like to thank Bob and Maggie McCarty for a wonderful Sat and Sun at their house near Baltimore/DC. I met Bob about 10 years ago through youth ministry work and we have continued to stay connected. I've been fortunate to see them frequently through the years at conferences and Diocesan director meetings. Bob has been the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry Executive Director for the past eleven years and continues to vision for the future of our youth.
I had a wonderful getaway weekend with thse two fun and gracious people. I enjoyed great conversation in the hot tub (and Courtney's Angels, a great red wine) before I went to bed and again when I woke up late the next morning (minus the wine)! The stars were bright and the moon was luminous. It was such a blessing to have time to sit and watch the clouds drift through the sky. It was a great moment to think of my place in the universe and all that exists beyond what I can see. A great existential moment. What a life.
I also attended Sunday liturgy with them at their parish, St. Francis of Assisi. It is a very vibrant, young community. It was wonderful to see so many children and teens engaged in worship. After Mass I had the pleasure to attend an impromptu gathering of parishioners for a magnificent feast and fellowship. Breaking bread, sharing stories and LOTS of laughs, it was a splendid time. It's so great to easily make friends and get to know new people. Never a boring minute.
The weather here was amazing, and it was great to have adult conversations for an entire day. I love my nieces, but one can only exist in the land of: Dora, Diego, various princesses, ponies and imaginary animals/monsters etc for so long. It's been a blessing to watch these beautiful girls grow before my eyes. It is difficult to live so far away from them, so it's great to be so close and have this special time with them. It's also to see my brother in "his world" although for those of you who know him.....I still don't know how he or my sister in law do it.
Well, each week seems to bring a new level of letting go. I still feel tense and secretly waiting for piles of work and obligation to sneak around the corner and bury me. It's odd to not be ramped up to a certain level of intensity and responsibility. On to week 3.
1 comment:
Trying to keep up with any one of you living in Gettysburg is enough to make me want to take a nap or leave town. I don't know how any of you do it??
I don't remember being so busy at that stage of my life. You are all amazing. We are proud to be know as Laura and Brian (& Suzies) parents ;)
The world is a better place because each of you are dedicated to making it so. The Lord only knows what contributions Hope and Nora will make ... they certainly have very good examples in their parents and Tia.
Ah, letting go ... I remember my experiences of having to let go ... it will definitely stretch you and make you grow. Just keep telling your self ... God is the potter, I am just the clay. I don't fight it much any more. The Lord has molded me into submission, well, maybe it's more like I have given in to His will. In any case I don't regret or mind be so molded.
I look forward to reading your blog each evening. Almost like being there with you.
Love you much, Dad
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