A Mango For Your Thoughts

I learned a valuable lesson while at the grocery store the other day. It came to me by way of a mango mistake in the produce section. Upon noticing a sale on mangos and the onset of the flu I had to get multiple mangos for the vitamin C. In my hurried hysteria I grabbed the juiciest of tropical green goodness and delicately placed them all into one produce baggie. As I twisted it closed to place into my cart the entire bag ripped and the mangos, five of them, all broke loose from the bag quicker and louder than students busting loose from school for the summer. They crashed into my cart, clattering about as they knocked over cans of soup and the rest of my flu survival kit items.

In a graceful, and refined way, I glided across the shiny linoleum floor of the produce section away from the loud racket much like that of orchestrated choreography seen in an episode of Dancing with the Stars. As my ballroom routine came to a close I looked around to see if anyone had seen what I had done and just as I came to, I noticed a woman pushing her cart down the aisle that dead ended into where I was.

"Nice one," she called out as she applauded my blunder. "We've all done that before."

"Agreed. We've all done it," chimed in another lady from the other side of the fruit aisle. "But nicely done to come back from it."

Through the next three days of laying on the couch that scene kept playing out and got me thinking:

How often do we try to pile in too much into our day, our week, into our life and yes into our plastic produce bags, only too just have everything come undone and end up crashing down on us? Whether it's pushing ourselves too hard and we become ill or we hold in so much stress and anxiety only to just freak out. We all have fallen victim to such an unfortunate break.

We forget to just take things three seconds at a time. We tone out advice from scholars that remind us to "simplify, simplify, simplify." We ignore that "the ill-tempered stir up strife, but the patient settle disputes (Proverbs 15:18)" or that we are called to "rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer (Romans 12:12)."

For me, it took mangos gracefully interrupting a couple shopper's midday grocery experience with a produce dance party and three days of laying on the couch to think about it. Next time I'll know not to shove too much into such cheap plastic, but also the next time that I'm filled with a quirky concoction of emotions - at work, when life throws down the hammer or if I'm struggling with five large mangos - I can be that sea of calm in a storm of chaos. Unfortunately it took unplanned mango madness and a bit of humility for me to learn this lesson.

An Angel on a Park Bench

We all have had moments when we had an angel appear in our lives. Maybe during one of those whoa moments where you knew you had an angel on your side. Like the moment you swerve to avoid hitting something in the road, a split second decision you made where you were amazed you could even think to do that. One of those moments where you could say you had your guardian angel with you.

I've felt bored these past couple of weeks. Bored with the thought of what is and wanting what could be. Bored thinking about the adventures - work, spiritual and fun - I want to be out doing, while tired of planning the ones I will set out for this year, just not during these winter months. I've felt smothered, and weighed down, by the confines of an office. Scared by the reality of not being able to explore as much as I should. Explore the world, explore the depths of my desires, explore my life and its purpose.

It was my goal this weekend to spend my entire Saturday hiking. It was to become my day to turn off my phone as quick as I could turn off my brain from anything that wasn't related to the trail and the world around it. I had longed for a day where it was me alone on the trail, engulfed in God's pure joy and the simple beauties that is nature. My mind raced with thoughts of future trips. I day dreamed, like a five year old, about how cool it would be to star in a survival/ adventure documentary that would be a mix of 180 Degrees South and a show on NatGeo, with a soundtrack reminiscent of the "I'd Rather Be Hiking" mix from my iPod.

As I was hiking along a portion of the trail I had come across a fellow hiker - which will be another post soon - and we shared a refreshing conversation about simplifying our lives and exploring more of what life has to offer, as we hiked along together. As I listened to her speak so passionately about wanting to set off on more adventures and her desire to enjoy exploring life in general, I caught my mind wandering off on things in my own life. Mainly the sense of boredom, but mile after mile I became deep in debate in my head about where it is God wants me to be and where I want to be. I thought about the lessons I'm supposed to be learning from it and Him, and if I'm even heading in the right direction...and then it hit me. I found my angel.

There it was, a snowman angel sitting on a bench out in the middle of the trail. On the particular path I was following sat passionately an angel to greet me along my journey. It was a simple reminder that regardless of where we think we are or how we feel we are doing there is always an angel there to walk with us along the way. The simple gesture to help us remember that God is there with us every step of the way. Whether we get it right or not, whether we are close friends or a voice from far off in the distance. He is everywhere. Walking along the trail with us as we follow the path before us. Sometimes we need to be reminded that and for me it came in a life size snowman angel waiting for me along the trail.


Until next time...

I Know I'm Not A Manly Man, Which Makes Me More of a Man Than You

The word man is defined as: One possessing in high degree the qualities considered distinctive of manhood(2)obsolete: the quality or state of being manly: manliness.

Many people have their own definition of what this word means and what it entails "to be a man." Others believe that they are the definition of what it means to be dubbed: a manly man. We envision that burly stead to have the swagger of Frank Sinatra, the charm of every Disney prince, the sense of adventure of Hemingway, Jesus' abs and discipline, the stories of the Dos Equis guy and the beard of Zeus or that of Allan from The Hangover. That's a lot for us men to aspire to, especially in an era that is calling for true manliness.

Last week at work I made a sad attempt of being a "man" by attempting (strong emphasis on attempt) to put together a bookshelf in my boss' office while she was out on vacation. The gigantic feat of masculine proportions was time consuming, horribly confusing and clearly suited for someone of much more exuberant manliness than what I brought to the tool box. It was an epic fail on my part and I fell victim to the manliness roadblock of an Office Max shelving unit.

As I reflected on the sad attempt of manliness I realized that I had been humbled to the tenth degree by such an easy task. I loathed the bastard bookshelf for hours as it stared at me every time I passed by her office door. It sat, scattered in her office, boasting its conquest over me as I'd pace by during the afternoon. It celebrated its victory over me each time an office member would walk by her office to see it sitting on the floor in pieces and come into my office asking how I was progressing with the project after I had raised the white flag in defeat.

It was then that I realized that one skill that trumps any attribute of what we claim creates "manliness," is humility. The ability to accept defeat, but press on. That moment where you can say I messed up or I am not able to do this. It is in humility that we are better equipped to forgive, to lead others and to move on from the hardships that arise, like failing at putting together a simple bookshelf. That was when I realized that I know I'm not a manly man, which makes me more of a man than you...But I'm still working on the humble part though, but aren't we all. I think another thing I'll work on in this New Year is my humility, because in the wise words of a dear friend, "I am the humblest person I know."


Until next time...

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...