Circling Back to Julian

When I finished my time as a Julian student 21 years ago today, on Wednesday, June 8, 2005, I was fully aware that something extraordinary had happened during the past three years.

I was wistful that it had to end because it was so wonderful.

Yet I never realized that I would have the chance to reconnect with it and live out what made it so special.

That dream started taking shape when I finished college and began my involvement in Religious Education.  Over the course of 13 years, I've had the opportunity to share the gift of faith that was shaped so marvelously during my Julian years and hand it on to the next generation with the students in my classes and also in the small groups I've mentored for Confirmation preparation.  Many of these students have been current Julian students.

The Holy Spirit has truly been at work in a wondrous way, and to illustrate that reality, my custom for class and the Confirmation meetings is to wear Holy Spirit socks from Sock Religious.

Back in March, following the afternoon Confirmation Mass, the mom of a student in my group handed me a bag.  Inside were several pairs of religious-themed socks.

This gift was so special that this student noted the unique nature of my socks and that her family offered me this gesture recognizing my role in the months of preparation and the particular way I sought infuse those meetings with a visual religious touch.

My Julian years were truly a defining experience in my life, especially in shaping my faith.  As I reflect on the journey in faith I've undertaken since then, I know that I am blessed beyond measure.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Proverbs 3:5

These socks say "Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14".

Celebrating Andy Griffith's Centennial

It's time to celebrate like it's 1926 all over again as today marks 100 years since the birth of Andy Griffith.

I find it fitting that my Dad introduced me to The Andy Griffith Show when I was growing up, because Andy stars as the Mayberry Sheriff and a wonderful father figure.  We had episodes of the show on VHS and then DVDs at home.  Eventually, Mom gifted Dad the complete series.

Throughout the episodes, he generally demonstrates a calm demeanor that helps keep circumstances in order.  One episode we watched frequently was Andy Discover America.  After Opie drew from something Andy said about history and told his teacher, Ms. Crump, that it wasn't worth studying, Andy masterfully set things right with Opie and his friends.

The show is a true American classic for how Andy conveys good character to support others.  That's why we have a good reason to celebrate today, especially with a whistling tune.