Insightful

"But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me?  You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial." -Matthew 26:10-12


Today is a monumental day in the history of the United States. There are those who believe that the nation has gone far off course, those that believe the nation is only now getting back on the right path, and those that think that their is no hope for any positive outcome. This is unfortunate for a variety of reasons, but I am hopeful for the future. Even though at the same moment I am furious at the state of affairs that many citizens find themselves in. A fair shake in life is a right, it is the essential component of dignity.
I have had the privilege of working with children over the last several weeks, but yesterday was very difficult for me. I saw children that loved reading and doing math and were invigorated by the classroom environment. But, at the same time there was the quiet child in the back that struggled to do basic addition well below their grade level. This is simply unacceptable. Change is an inevitable part of life and society. It is only right that certain injustices begin to get rectified. You have to be well in order to do well in the classroom.
I could continue, but I need to go. Have a great day everyone. Let us all remember that we are part of the same world.

What A Week..

This past Sunday was the beginning to a very interesting and tiring week. It started off with a bang when I went to St. John's also known as "the church of the Presidents." I really enjoyed the service and will be attending again for sure. I then met my most energized group yet, and they were a blast to work with. The days were long, the adventures many, and the growth was undeniable. I feel very privileged to work with kids going through some of the most influential years they will have in their lives concerning their faith. Being able to challenge them and see them break through glass ceilings is incredible and I wouldn't really want it any other way.
I have had some long days and will have many more, so today is a much needed rest for the week ahead. So, continue to think of me and my coworkers and the ministry we are doing and allow it to impact each and every person that comes to serve.
Additionally, I got to go to a Nationals game this week!!!!!! I was super excited and really enjoyed my time at the ballpark and seeing them beat the Rays! I really hope to attend a DC United Soccer match while I'm here.
Finally, I went to the FDR and MLK Jr. memorials this week. I didn't get to spend near enough time at them, but I plan on going back because they are incredible.
Well, I think that's going to be it for now.

This is really short.

So, I've started and restarted this post like 4 times and am still not sure what all I'm going to say, so here it goes. 
This week was exhausting. This week was fulfilling. It was a struggle and it was a needed challenge. I felt like I wasn't doing a very great job during this 2nd week (but my first full one) but, I think otherwise now. The comments and growth that I got to see and hear were really able to lift my opinion about how I do my job from low to acceptable. I know that I'm pretty critical of myself, but I just feel like I'm being honest. I don't need a sugar coat on when I speak in front of people (I need brutality to get better). Hopefully, this next week will continue to be a great chapter on this book I'm writing. I just don't have much to say...so, I guess that will be the end of it. 


“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15: 5

June 6th

"Few will have the greatness to bend history, but each of us can work to change a small portion of the events, and then the total — all of these acts — will be written in the history of this generation" Robert F. Kennedy


Today is the 44th anniversary of RFK being assassinated. If you are only going to read one thing today, don't let it be this blog. Read this instead. 
http://www.jfklibrary.org/Research/Ready-Reference/RFK-Speeches/Remarks-of-Senator-Robert-F-Kennedy-to-the-Cleveland-City-Club-Cleveland-Ohio-April-5-1968.aspx

Last night, I gave a debriefing session to my group with the capitol in the backdrop. While I didn't do it on purpose (I promise!), it was a little ironic when one of the leaders said I looked like a politician. HIstory says that Catholicism was a prominent part of RFK's life, and if I am ever given the chance to be a leader that makes even a small imprint on the book of history, I hope that it is also written that faith is essential. The past 72 hours have definitely been a testament to that. 

The past few days have been difficult as they have been the first days of actually leading groups in the city and around. While I have remained calm and everything has happened that needed to, it has been trying on my brain. But, probably because I wanted to be in control over everything when that is just not going to be possible.


The group was only here for a short time compared to groups I will have the rest of the summer. I feel that I will be challenged and tested to even greater limits. Hopefully, I will be able to continue making strides to garner greater serenity concerning daily events and planning for the future. 
Here's to a great week ahead!
~tim



John spoke up, "Teacher, we saw a man using your name to expel demons and we stopped him because he wasn't in our group."
 Jesus wasn't pleased. "Don't stop him. No one can use my name to do something good and powerful, and in the next breath cut me down. If he's not an enemy, he's an ally. Why, anyone by just giving you a cup of water in my name is on our side. Count on it that God will notice.
Mark 9: 38-41 (The Message Translation)