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Saturday, October 26, 2013

your mission

You know, the one that you feel compelled to do. The one that you and you alone can accomplish.
Do you know what it is? Because you have one.

A few weeks ago, my husband and I ( hesitatingly on my part, I'll admit) went to hear Alexandre Havard on what he has coined Virtuous Leadership and is in fact, the title of his book. I've seen him at a cocktail party thrown in his honor and very much enjoyed what he had to say. But I thought I had the jist and didn't need to hear more. ;)

We left that evening with some profound hope and questions. And here is what he had to impart which lead us to these:
Magnanimity is the virtue of a big heart, a great heart. It is the one great men and women have. It requires the other human virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance ( see Pieper's The Four Cardinal Virtues ), but in a sense, it is bigger than these. Because it is what drives a person in their life to be prudent, just, fortuitous (brave and enduring) and temperate with joy. It requires that one know their God-given talents which are personal and seeing the needs of our time. These of course take time, reflection, practice and feedback. When these collide, a mission is born that drives one the rest of your life in bringing your contribution to humanity. One is in a sense, doing what one was born to do.
Happy Mission, my friends!
image- dcbarroco.wordpress.com






Saturday, October 19, 2013

hero

Her husband drops her off early in the morning. She has full make-up on, and a ready smile if she sees me. We meet each other throughout our day here and there; at the park, on the sidewalks, in the elevators, me with my kids, she with the kids she cares for. She always smiles, finds what you are doing interesting, has watchful eyes and takes loving care of the kids she watches. She leaves in the evening, a bit worn, but the freshly lipsticked smile hides it well to the undiscerning eye. I wish she wouldn't call me "Senora."

I have no doubt that this woman doesn't go straight to bed when she gets home. She has something funny to share with her family, she takes joy in the "rest" that the evening brings. And yet she has her own work to do in her own home, and her own family to feed.

She is my hero. I just hope that my Spanish gets good enough one day to convey the depths of my gratitude to one who lives her life so simply well, and very much under the radar unless you care to notice.
(image:cpga.com)

Friday, October 18, 2013

you're trusted

It's so easy to get discouraged. There are so many things each of us is responsible for. Even children have many obligations on them, and not just from school. They are a sibling to someone, either big or little. Part of their character is formed by mere fact of where they are placed within the family. But it is all meant to be that way. And it is good.

We are where we are because God knows we can do it. He trusts each of us to be the parents our specific children need us to be. And he trusts our children in their roles and responsibilities. Isn't it a breath of fresh air to see life as a trusted opportunity rather than a rat race?

And we can count on His help... have a great day...