Grapes of Reflection 2021

This time of year stirs my heart because the act of reflection resonates with me deeply, and I do it often on this blog.  Even in a year that continued to be marked by the challenges of the pandemic and then some, probing deeply helps me feel a profound sense of gratitude and joy for this year.  We were still able to make things happen, like how the Olympics were still held after a year's delay, and the event certainly inspired me.  Additionally, I think about how even having my wisdom teeth removed gave me a different perspective on pain, with a purpose, and how we can still attain to the goodness that is all around us.  And so now, I reflect on this year of 2021 in the spirit of a Spanish custom of eating 12 grapes at the changing of the year.

Grape #1- I typically publish this post on my blog on New Year's Eve, and based on the time I'm doing it today, I haven't had the chance yet to write about the big event that's concluding 2021 for me that is happening later in the day, the wedding of Heather and Zach, my great friend from ValpU.  It's a special way to end the year by reconnecting with a great friend at an important time in his life.  (I may very well write something on my blog in the near future, so please stay tuned.)

Grape #2- The wedding of Leslie and Tyler was special as an opportunity to reconnect with ValpU friends and to also enhance my experience of the Roman Catholic sacramental life at the first wedding Mass I ever attended in my life.

Grape #3- My trip to Florida was a great time with family, enjoying the subtropical climate, and wonderful sightseeing, with a day-long layover in Washington, D.C. on the way back, as I enjoyed riding the rails.

Grape #4- My trip to Dallas in July was a fabulous opportunity to visit another presidential museum, the George W. Bush Presidential Center, and to reconnect with my years growing up.  It was another great ride on Amtrak, and reconnecting with my first trip to Texas back in 2013.

Grape #5- I got to enjoy so much wonderful sightseeing on my Missouri road trip as part of celebrating its Bicentennial.  I also enjoyed reconnecting with the storm chase trip of May 2011 with a short visit to Miami, OK.  (I also had some good audiobooks for my listening pleasure while on the road.)

Grape #6- I had a great time on a day trip outing to central Wisconsin, especially to see Father Kevin on the first anniversary of his ordination.

Grape #7- I visited many other churches in 2021, which was a wonderful way to connect with places that hold some special meaning, and to reconnect with people there, like Father Ted, when I went to visit him the day after the 11th anniversary of his ordination.

Grape #8- Election Day on April 6 was another excellent day of serving my local community in southern Oak Park, especially fellow Ascension Parishioners, which included families I know from Religious Education.  I even had the pleasure of interacting with two first-time voters.  

Grape #9- Open House Chicago 2021 was an excellent weekend of sightseeing in Chicago, and I enhanced the experience by serving as a volunteer at the Nichols Tower.

Grape #10- Among the special family occasions I marked was the 5th wedding anniversary of Naomi and my brother Eric and Grandma Dottie's birthday at 90, with a special family lunch.  And my cousin Jenny in Colorado married back on July 14.

Grape #11- There were many other anniversaries of big events I marked throughout 2021, and one that stands out specially for me is Amtrak's 50th Anniversary on May 1.  The occasion reminded me of why I enjoy train travel so much, and how it inspires me as I take a different pace to really see the USA as I pass through it traveling from one place to another.  Fortunately, I enjoyed two Amtrak trips this year.

Grape #12- Every year of Religious Education brings something special.  Back in February, Confirmation day greatly inspired me, showing that even in the challenges of the pandemic, God is still at work.  And I marvel at how I continue to see Him at work so far in the 2021-22 RE year, and the wonderful connections I'm forging with this year's group of students.

I remain immensely grateful for the work I see God doing through my efforts in Religious Education, because it brings me most in tune with what's most important in life, encountering God, and giving of myself, especially so that others can encounter Him.  Indeed, I have found such a vital sense of purpose in life as I participate in the life of the church community, particularly with Religious Education.  IT speaks to the abundant life that Jesus desires for all of us to experience as we grow in relationship with Him.  And the reality of our relationship with God is something that nothing can touch.

It was definitely no accident, but a divinely-ordinated arrangement of circumstances that my birthday this year, March 16, when I turned 30, was on a Tuesday when I had class scheduled.  Even though I wasn't physically present to celebrate with my students, it was fitting that I was still gathered with them over Zoom to make part of my birthday celebration something that had brought so much meaning to the most recent of my 30 years.  Furthermore, during that class, I discussed Theology of the Body, the teachings of Pope St. John Paul II that describe the purpose for which God created us.

Fully aware of the ultimate reason for purpose in life, revealed in so many ways this year, I go forth into a new year while concluding this year with deep and joyful gratitude:  Thanks be to God!

Here I am posing at the clock floor piece at Chicago Union Station. Thanks to the fellow visitor who took this photo.