The Grapes of Reflection 2014

One activity I like to take up at the changing of the year is the Hispanic custom of consuming 12 grapes for the occasion of New Year's, equal to one for each month.  My Grandma put her own spin on it by having each grape signify something.  In the spirit of taking stock of the calendar year 2014 that is drawing to a close, I here offer some reflections on experiences in my life during this year 2014, with 12 grapes to serve as a guide:

Grape #1, my trip to Atlanta:  This was another great opportunity to meet with professionals in the field of meteorology gathered at the AMS Annual Meeting, not to mention colleagues of mine at ValpU.  It was also great seeing the sights, like the Jimmy Carter Presidential Museum, the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Georgia State Capitol.  It was all a grand way to mark my first time in Georgia.

Grape #2, my job: It was good to spend the months since February getting some valuable work experience under my belt, not to mention enjoying the chance to spend more time in the heart of downtown Oak Park.

Grape #3, the Sochi Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony:  I always look forward to seeing what kind of show the host country puts on, and this show offered a great expression of Russia, in all its mystical glory.

Grape #4, movies and musicals: I enjoyed the presentation of profound insights about life and humanity, with the 40 film and the movie Million Dollar Arm, as well as The Sound of Music at the Lyric, and then there was an incredible story about faith and the power of redemption in the face of evil in the musical Amazing Grace at the Bank of America Theater.

Grape #5, The Land and the Book live event:  Almost four years after the debut of this weekly Moody program, I was delighted to have the chance to participate in a live recording of this wonderful program at an Elmhurst church, being a frequent listener.  I saw the personalities come alive, and had some fun in the other activities held in between recordings.

Grape #6, Open House Chicago: What a fantastic weekend I had going out and about seeing a different set of sights in Chicago, open specially to the public on this weekend, including splendid houses of worship, and fabulous views of the city from up above.  (This also makes me think back to the excellent time I had touring worship spaces in Oak Park back in June.)

Grape #7, the CC Alumni Reading Group:  I enjoyed passing those few evenings from January to May in the company of Valparaiso University Christ College alumni, sharing thoughts on the contents of our syllabus, and swapping stories from the Plains of Valparaiso (campus, that is), as well as other happenings in our lives.

Grape #8, visits to Valparaiso, and with ValpU friends elsewhere: I delighted going back to Valparaiso to visit with friends and acquaintances on campus and elsewhere in the community on four different occasions.  And I had the chance to visit with ValpU friends outside of Valparaiso:  I went to Madison one weekend to visit two friends, which also gave me my first opportunity to ride on the Megabus, my second bus journey this year after having traveled for the first time on Greyhound, which I used to travel to Atlanta.  Two other very good friends came to visit me in Oak Park.

Grape #9, Father Kevin's 25th Anniversary Celebration: One very special visit I made to Valparaiso was to mark 25 years since Father Kevin's ordination to the priesthood.  His ministry has had an awesome impact on many lives, especially at St. Teresa's, including mine, and it was a distinct honor to be present for this celebration of his milestone.

Grape #10, Archbishop Cupich's Installation in Chicago:  I counted this transition in Archbishops as the first time in my life I witnessed this change in leadership of the Archdiocese of Chicago, because I was too young to follow the proceedings when Cardinal George came to town.  I was very excited when I first heard the news of Blase Cupich's appointment.  And I reveled in the opportunity to view the Installation Mass, where I saw the ceremonial procedures of Archbishop Cupich taking his place at the helm of the Archdiocese, as well as hearing him express his worldview in his homily on the task at hand that all of us in the church share.

Grape #11, giving blood:  For much time, I have feared being poked by needles.  But I've been gradually overcoming this fear, and, wanting to do a measure of good, I finally decided to give of my healthy self and donate blood.  It was a personally empowering experience, as I took another step against my fear.  The experience was enriched by its timing during Lent, when I was pierced, as was Christ, which has resulted in good for someone in need.

Grape #12, participating in Religious Education: One the greatest delights I've had this year is being present in the faith formation of the next generation of the Church, guiding them along in their own individual journeys of faith.  I've done this week after week in RE class, and also monthly preparation meetings for those young people preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation.  Within this calendar year, I've had two different groups for each.  It's been great working with a new curriculum for the 2014-15 RE year that has a lot of great content, and I've had a great co-teacher along for the ride.  Not only was I able to empower these young people, but in my role as RE teacher and Confirmation mentor, I've been empowered by putting to good use the faith I've built up over many years in the midst of many circumstances.  And it was a privilege to share about my experiences in a witness talk at the Living Your Strengths reconnection session in June.

So it's time to conclude 2014, a year like all others with its highlights, "low"-lights, and everything in between.  For all these and more, which I'm sure to be pondering for years to come, I render thanks unto God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, holding all times and all our lives in His hands.