The Flannel Sheets Effect

Life is full of tiny delights. Those little things that we find joy in. The blessed Eucharisteo moment that brightens your day. That particular moment when others look at you funny, struggling to grasp why you’re smiling like a goober because of how much you enjoy the soft touch of that fleece sweatshirt you have, the fact that you’re all smiles because you had a Snackpack for lunch on or that you’re all misty eyed because you’re awestruck by the sight of falling snowflakes. It’s those simple pleasures like a beautiful wake up, a hot shower to start your day, the rising sun as you drive into work or nailing that presentation at work. It’s those defining moments that makes you full of joy, but in the grand scheme of things aren’t really anything to anyone.

For the past month and a half I’ve wanted to buy flannel sheets to snuggle up into during the cold winter nights. Santa’s little messenger, and secret shopper – a.k.a my Mom – instructed me not to make my purchase as “Christmas is right around the corner.” To my dismay, on Christmas morning, there they were a brand new set of tan flannel sheets. On a side note, do you know how you know you’re getting old? You express your appreciation for a gift of flannel sheets with the joyful glee and giddy exuberance of a five-year-old if he were to open up that new G.I. Joe or Xbox game. As we concluded our Christmas morning routine I quickly threw those puppies into the washer and had ‘em on my bed within minutes of getting back to my apartment.

You see, for me, there is nothing better than new, clean sheets. To kick it up a notch, there’s no greater feeling than hopping out of the shower, drying off and getting into clean sheets; preferably still warm. Needless to say I slept like a baby that first night.

The point is, we all have our own definition of joy. We find joy in different things in our lives. As we enter into these cold, dark winter months and look down the road towards the ever popular, and emotionally divided, Valentine’s Day, it’s those simple pleasures that will keep us going. Those are the things that will fuel the fire as we kick the Winter Blues. What’s yours? Where do you find that joy in your life that makes you smile and it brightens your day? As we prepare to begin the new year let's take a moment on what will fill our lives with joy and our next year with hope.

Happy New years and get a pair of flannel sheets...you won't regret it!


Until next time...

It's The End Of The World & I Almost Forgot To Pack

How fitting is it that a day before the end of the Mayan calendar, and the end of the world, I would watch The Bucket List? It was playing in the cardio theater at the gym during my morning workout. As some prep for the dooms day scenario, and businesses bank on their marketing campaigns, I spent the six a.m. hour pondering the meaning of my life, and what I have accomplished up to this point, from the likes of Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.

Think about it though. If the world did in fact end on 12-21-12, would you be alright with the life you've lived and the legacy you would leave behind (for no one)?

Today, I frequently reflected on those two things. First, I thought that if it did take place where would I go, what's my plan of attack and am I prepared? Secondly, with all that I've done thus far in my life am I alright with accepting that it could be my last day? Of course the answer is NO! We all want more time on Earth to see, do and accomplish more. But, if these ancient savages are correct, and tomorrow is indeed a culmination of every Hollywood dooms day flick, my answer is YES. Bolded, underlined and italicized, that is a YES. I can accept that it could be my last day.

Yes, because I've loved and been loved. Yes, because I've climbed a dozen physical mountains and thousands more mentally, professionally and spiritually. Yes, because I tried to put other before me and saw the beauty in years of serving others while leading mission trips, service projects and other opportunities. Yes, because I have been blessed to travel to over ten countries. Yes, because I have faith in what is to come next for me.

Sure there's more I'd like to achieve in my life, and things I wish I had done when it presented itself to me, but I believe I made the most of what I had...did you? If not, why is that?

I think that's a beautiful thought to ponder tomorrow and as we prepare for Christmas and a new year. Whether we buy into tomorrow's "significance," or not, have we lived the life, and left the legacy, that we have wanted. That we've been called to live.


See you tomorrow!



Until next time...

I'm Not Worthy That You Should Enter Under My Roof...But How About A Beer?

I found my mind wandering at Church the other day thinking about something during the part of Mass when the congregation says the prayer before Holy Communion: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed. These are the words straight from our buddies Matt (8:8) and Luke (7:6), where the Centurion spoke to Jesus and we recite them every Sunday as we prepare ourselves to receive Him in the Eucharist.

While we were praying this prayer aloud, I caught myself saying another prayer: Lord, I am certainly not worthy enough to have you enter under my roof – although I have a nice apartment that’s typically tidy and have a fridge full of healthy snacks and home brews – I surely am not even cool enough to be in the same vicinity as you, but only say those simple words and hopefully, hopefully, my soul shall be healed.

It came to me during that portion of Mass that it would be so cool to have the big guy come down and chill with me for the day in my apartment. We could catch a game, drink some wine (heard he knows quite the party trick that folks still talk about today) and share some laughs. We could discuss things like the meaning of life, faith, love and maybe even have him help me pick numbers for next week’s lotto or help choose players for next year’s fantasy football team. I’d ask him things like, why He let my Grandma die while I was so little and my brother die so young? I’d ask Him why he hates Cleveland sports and why He was nonexistent in my middle school years; why I didn’t know Him better in the toughest years of my life? I’d demand answers to how he could allow events like last week’s tragedy take place. And I'd have to ask him the ever so popular icebreaker question, if he could meet one person, dead or alive, who would He choose (cuz he can't say himself, like nine out of ten people)? If he came into Casa de Lofy, I would totally tweet about who I was hanging out with, I’d update Facebook minute by minute, and of course, see if he’d wingman me downtown for the night. The list goes on…

All joking aside, as I prayed this in Mass it made me think of two questions. First, what would I do if he did enter under my roof (see above for my thoughts), and secondly, who is worthy?

The answer is no one. No one is worthy of such an experience. But we should try are darnedest to become so. Striving to become so pure, so disciplined and become more Christlike in all that we do. And maybe, just maybe, one Sunday, when we pray aloud our prayer, we will be able to say: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof - and I know this, but I am striving to be more like you: Courageous, loving and compassionate - but only say the word - and I hope one day you'll say those words, oh how I do - my soul shall be healed.

It's The End Of The World And I Almost Forgot To Pack

We are a culture of believers. We always are wanting to believe everything we hear or see…like everything posted on the internet, we want to believe.We are a culture starving to buy into something bigger than ourselves.Things like luck, a new miracle weight loss product or a candidate who will actually bring us change we can believe in or that Black Friday actually gives you a sale worth three hour lines and potential fights of a waffle maker or flat screen.We’ve been told by marketers that too look beautiful we need “this” or we just gotta try “that.” Advertisers have told us “Believe in We” and "Just do it." We want to believe in something other than ourselves.

Each hour that goes by we get closer to December 21st, the end of the world according to the Mayan calendar. To many it’s a bunch of hogwash.To some it’s the sign of Armageddon. Like many, I haven’t thought twice about it, except for wanting to throw a “It’s the End of the World…and We Survived” party. But the other night I found myself bored, reading an article about the rise in teen and adolescent depression caused by the ongoing fear of the December dooms day scenario. As I read the article, and overheard a report on the television, I actually began to think about it. If this truly is going to happen – which it won’t – I want to be ready – which there’s nothing to be ready for, because it’s not going to happen – and if I want to be ready, I better pack some things.

For nearly thirty minutes I stuffed my pack with freeze dried meals I had left over from hikes, made my trail-mix and rolled up all my cold weather gear, sleeping pad, bag and two person tent in case I needed to quickly pick up and leave the city. Let’s face it, in all dooms day flicks, and alien picture-shows, NY is first to go, followed by LA and then other large cities. I want to be mobile and head for Hocking Hills or the Appalachian mountains – I’ve never heard of aliens destroying backcountry nowhere. Besides if I’m going to go down in this Armageddon I better be comfortable, not mention there’s nothing more romantic than sharing a two person tent, watching meteorites and fire falling from the sky as I find some random person to share just a short, magical minute with.

Regardless of what I believe will happen...I believed. For a moment I wanted to believe. Have you ever thought about how easily we buy into something? Why? We talk about being individuals, yet so easily cave to be like someone else, instead of being who we were created to be. It's my hope that what's left of my life for the next week (if the Mayans are correct) I will be who I am called to be and if nothing happens, at least from this point on, I'll be exactly who I was created to be. Either way, at least I'm packed and ready. Semper Paratus.

Until next time...

An Angel In The Driver's Seat

Back in August I lost my brother to a massive heart attack. I had a step brother that I never lived with and many of my friends didn't know I had. We were separated by ten years and nearly two thousand miles. Not until recently have I found myself wanting to see him, call him and just have him present. Even though he wasn't ever around for a good portion of my life, except for the past few years as we grew closer in my adulthood.

The other morning, not more than a few moments before I woke to go to work did I see him. As my body began to awake by my internal clock and I could feel the pain of waking I went into a quick dream. One that I'd like to share with you.

I was in a car traveling along a beautiful highway sitting comfortably as a passenger in a driver-less car. It was a warm, picture perfect day. The road I traveled was surrounded by an angelic blend of blues, greens and greys. The car was traveling down a road the sliced through a vibrant forest of towering trees, with a large mountain range set behind and nestled below it all was a pristine lake.

As I turned my attention from the heavenly sight back into the car with a car without a driver, I noticed that I was no longer alone. I had been joined by my brother who was now sitting behind the wheel. Because it was a dream I don't remember what was said exactly, but I remember telling him how much I missed him and how much hurt I felt knowing that my big bro was gone. For what felt like hours I sat in the car with him, he felt near, present and I remember actually physically crying as my alarm went off to wake me up.

Just as I began to awake and leave the presence of him he looked at me, and in his loving, big brother tone, said to me: "I'm here. I'll always be near and I'll always be with you." Then I woke up. Sweating and wiping the tears from my face a grew confident and loved.

I share this with you for two reasons. One, I've come to realize (and I'm man enough to share this to all two follower - Thanks Mom and Mom's friend) that there is nothing more refreshing than a good cry. Although this was only brief, it's a relieving expression that we often associate with negative, but why?

Secondly, I share this with you, because I'm now twenty seven years. If you're like me, many of your friends are engaged or just getting engaged...and according to Facebook this week, four friends got engaged this week. But if you're like me you might be struggling with the loss of a loved one, or have someone in your life who is ill or struggling with life. Maybe you're losing your grip on uncontrollable aspects of your life or projects at work. Maybe the Christmas season, and barrage of jewelry commercials, is making you lonely.

Regardless, the dream reminded me that I'm not alone, far from it actually. Although I miss my big bro, he's very much with me. Maybe even more near now than he ever was. The dream was an excellent reminder that no matter where we are in our lives, we aren't alone along our journey. It just took a dream with an angel behind the wheel to remind me that when we feel the farthest from a loved one who has passed, or from our friends/ family or even alone from God that there truly is always someone looking over you.

Jump roping, bowling pin juggling, truths of Grace

A couple of weeks ago I was at the rec and I was stretching in an area away from everyone. I shared the space with a guy who would randomly break into an impromptu dance party. His music from his iPod was so loud that it over powered the music I had playing through my headphones. He'd push out a quick set with the dumbbells and break it down like he was a backup dancer at a hip hop show or a member of a rec center boy band.

I sat, stretching, baffled by what was happening. All I could do was laugh in my head, and make jokes, of how incredibly redonkulous he looked. Then it hit me moments later as his dance moves evolved into a modified jump rope motion. He was dancing, but was also incorporating an interval jump rope set in between sets, minus one thing: The jump rope.

How easy is it for us to see something and think one thing and not even begin to understand what is happening before us.

Like with Christ,we don't know where He is leading us, let alone what is happening before us. He wants into our lives, yet often times we try it alone, without His presence

Last month I was at the FEST in Cleveland and took part in an XLT, Eucharistic Adoration, in the Chapel. Bishop Gries gave a powerful testament of allowing Christ in our lives.

There was a man on the interstate who was pulled over by a trooper for speeding. The officer approached the vehicle of the man and noticed in the backseat a gallon of gasoline, four bowling pins, matches and a wig. He asked the driver why he had such random items in his possession. The driver replied that he was a clown in the circus in town and his main trick was juggling bowling pins that were lit on fire.

The officer, who thought he had heard every excuse in his days of patrolling the highways, asked the driver to prove it. The driver exited his car, lit a fire on the ends of the bowling pins and began juggling on the side of the highway for the officer.

A man who was driving with his wife slowed down as he took notice to what was happening to the man who had been pulled over. He turned to his wife and said, "If that's some sort of field sobriety check then I'm screwed. I quit drinking."

We all see events and chapters in our lives differently then what is truly happening to us. How it is effecting us. How we are growing physically, mentally and spiritually. How it is forcing us to grow closer to the Lord. We find ourselves confused and often times overwhelmed by what we see and not what the Lord wants us to see. It's at those moments that we must ask the Lord to enter into our hearts and we must force ourselves to listen to Him. Those are the times we must seek our His grace and feed our spirit by receiving Him through the Eucharist. Sit before Him and ask His forgiveness, seek out His strength and courage. Place yourself in His presence and adore Him.

So many people, especially young adults, try so hard to create careers, begin a new life, start families and take a stab at trying to be a big kid. They strive to work their way up the corporate ladder with reckless abandon. Spend weekends exploring the pubs and clubs of the city on a hunt, much like explorers of the African Serengeti in search for wild prey. They spend countless rounds a night in pursuit of that endangered species...someone sane, without baggage, that will love them and make it their goal to always make them happy.

Yet we don't seem to take the time to fine tune the relationship that means the most. To take a break from the machine that is our routine, to grow deeper in the one place in our life that will actually bring the love and happiness we so desperately need and that's through our relationship with Christ.

Much like the guy dancing during his work out, and the husband in the car passing by the juggler, we all see what is in front of us, but fail to go deeper or try to see past what is happening to try and grasp the reality of what's going on. Ultimately forcing us to remember what it is we need most...a relationship with Christ. Instead of focusing more on advancing your career or picking up that girl at the bar on Saturday, and all those other things that make us temporarily happy. Try to focus on God's Grace and letting it enter in your life. See the endless possibilities of a life of happiness from now through eternity.


Until next time...

I fought a blind man ... and lost

Have you ever been at a sporting event, concert or even walking the streets of New York City and become overwhelmed by the chaos of trying to walk around? That certain time when there's so much going on and everyone is walking in every which way, but one that makes sense? Then just like that, you snap. You grow angry, anxious and aggravated.

There was an instance when I was at an outdoor festival up in Cleveland, a Christian event to make this story even better, and it became crowded. There were folks walking in every direction, bumping into one another and were without a care in the world for anyone outside of their own personalbubble. To make things worse, I was there all day working at three different locations, all strategically placed to cause me to just erupt with frustration or eventually collapse with exhaustion. Either way, it didn't help that it was also a bajillion degrees out.

I figured the only thing at that time that could calm me down was a beer, but since it was a Christian event there was none, but a Johnsonville brat seemed to take a close second. I found myself waiting in a never ending line for one fresh off the world's longest grill. As I neared the end a group of people came to join the person ahead of me; five people to be exact. I grew livid and was screaming insanities in my head. Then this one man joined them and bumped into me, causing me to leave my spot and fall from the line. If I wasn't already at my breaking point, this was the final straw.

In my head I thought to myself many things, many of the adjectives I used were only four lettered. I thought to myself Look at this guy! Is he a jerk? Does he just not care? Is he blind? How could he not see me? . It was at the time I was about to confront him - "Hey chief, ya blind? Did ya not see me or are you just that ignorant..." - that I quickly learned how I was actually the one who was the jerk.

As I bit my lip, he turned to apologize. His hat blocked most of his face and his eyes hid behind his large dark sunglasses as he glared over me. He had his right arm locked with the woman next to him, most likely his wife. In his left hand...a thin white stick with a red tip. The man who had bumped into me, the man who caused me to grow angered, was blind. He could not see me. Yet although he was the one in line who physically could not see, I was the one in all reality who was blind.

Christ teaches us that we are always in his presence even when we are blind. In the book of Psalms it says "I was stupid and could not understand; I was like a brute beast in your presence. Yet I am always with you; you take hold of my right hand (Psalm 73: 22-23)."

He reminds us time and time again to open our eyes - physically and spiritually - to hear His message. The big guy calls us to remain compassionate and understanding, even when it just drives us crazy. Whether it's at a large event like the one in my story, on the highway in rush hour or even with that one person who drives us the craziest.

As we "neither know, nor understand; as we wander about in darkness, and it seems all the world’s foundations shake (Psalms 82:5)" we are called to continue to search for love and compassion. We are reminded in Proverbs that "The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know on what they stumble (Proverbs 4:19)." We all stumble. We all grow angry. We all are led into darkness. But we must remember that it is then, when grow blind, grow angered, lonely, tired, fill in how you feel today, that we are called to open our eyes and trust in the Lord. He tells us as we stumble "My son, to my words be attentive, to my sayings incline your ear; Let them not slip from your sight, keep them within your heart; For they are life to those who find them (Proverbs 4:20-22)."

A few moments after the man apologized I got my brat and I took it to a nearby park. For a half hour I sat on a bench, devoured my brat and sipped my water as I began to pray. I grew relaxed and was at peace. It was hard to imagine at that moment in time how I could let myself to grow that angry and ignorant...especially at Jesus-Stock. Yet, I chose to be driven by my anger to be led blindly. It just took almost picking a fight with someone who was actually blind, to show me that.