30 Seconds
Google Earth Pictorial:
St. Paul Parish
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Nothing today would have happened if it wasn't for the fact that years ago, I had made decisions in 30 seconds of time that affected the rest of my life. That is to say, I am amazed at how important 30 seconds of one's life can be.
I spent last night with Tom, Dominique, and their family. I've known Tom since college. He is an amazingly talented person on multiple levels. What is more, the family he and Dominique raise together just amazes me. But Tom and I would have remained mere acquaintances had we not lived together in "the House" at The Catholic University of America. "The House" is a community living environment for students who serve as leaders for the Campus Ministry department of the university.
What is funny about "the House" is that I never planned to live there. I was recruited to apply, but I kept resisting. I kept thinking of all the reasons that I didn't want to do it. Even during the interview process, I was evasive, not really admitting that I could or would serve in Campus Ministry. Then I went to the exit interview, and to my surprise, after me coming up with every excuse why I shouldn't do it, they hired me. I asked "How long do I have to decide?" And Fr. Mike said, "Right now." In thirty seconds, I evaluated my heart, and said "Yes! I'll do it." The decision changed the course of my senior year, my friends, and my life. Had I not said "yes," I would not have come to Pensacola, Florida today and not had the tremendous day that I had.
(Today's visit was at St. Paul's parish in Pensacola, Florida. After daily Mass, I had the privilege to speak with the third, fourth, and fifth graders of the school. To see the Google Earth pictorials of the parish, please click here.)
I also had dinner tonight with a group of friends that I made in the Boy Scouts of America over the last 16 years. We serve together doing theatrical shows and presentations for National Order of the Arrow events. I started with this group of people because of a flippant decision I made in a heartbeat.
I was what is known as a section chief, an elected leader of a large territory of scouts. This position entitled me to serve on a committee which helped to plan the National Order of Arrow Conference. I had always helped on the "Special Events" committee at this conference. But 10 minutes before the committees were announced, I went up to the national elected officer and said, "Put me on the "Shows" committee; I want to do something different this year, and I am a theater major after all."
It was a chance comment made on a whim, but that decision has changed my life, who my friends are, how I spend my summers, and where I ate tonight. It seems so odd that 30 seconds of a life can makes such a difference, such an impact.
But that is the reality of life… We make decisions every day that will determine incredible parts of our lives for years to come. When we are at the crossroads, we pick a path, not knowing what lies down the road. I'm reminded of the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz "You can go this way, but this way is nice too!"
The connection for me this day is in the story of St. Paul, the patron of the church and school I visited today (and also the author of today's First Reading which was about Melchizedek) St. Paul was on the road to Damascus and fell off his ass (donkey). For the first time, he was able to see the Lord, and forever his life was changed. It led him through Asia (Turkey). It led him to Rome. It led him to jail. It led him to his death. He could have had a simple, uneventful life had he made a different decision, but he didn't. He said "yes" to his calling.
My life will forever be different because I said "yes" to the calling of doing this pilgrimage. Part of that calling is to remind all you that something you do today will change your life forever. Whatever you decide, you will never be able to undo it, or get it back. You are invited to say "Yes." Are you ready?
I spent last night with Tom, Dominique, and their family. I've known Tom since college. He is an amazingly talented person on multiple levels. What is more, the family he and Dominique raise together just amazes me. But Tom and I would have remained mere acquaintances had we not lived together in "the House" at The Catholic University of America. "The House" is a community living environment for students who serve as leaders for the Campus Ministry department of the university.
What is funny about "the House" is that I never planned to live there. I was recruited to apply, but I kept resisting. I kept thinking of all the reasons that I didn't want to do it. Even during the interview process, I was evasive, not really admitting that I could or would serve in Campus Ministry. Then I went to the exit interview, and to my surprise, after me coming up with every excuse why I shouldn't do it, they hired me. I asked "How long do I have to decide?" And Fr. Mike said, "Right now." In thirty seconds, I evaluated my heart, and said "Yes! I'll do it." The decision changed the course of my senior year, my friends, and my life. Had I not said "yes," I would not have come to Pensacola, Florida today and not had the tremendous day that I had.
(Today's visit was at St. Paul's parish in Pensacola, Florida. After daily Mass, I had the privilege to speak with the third, fourth, and fifth graders of the school. To see the Google Earth pictorials of the parish, please click here.)
I also had dinner tonight with a group of friends that I made in the Boy Scouts of America over the last 16 years. We serve together doing theatrical shows and presentations for National Order of the Arrow events. I started with this group of people because of a flippant decision I made in a heartbeat.
I was what is known as a section chief, an elected leader of a large territory of scouts. This position entitled me to serve on a committee which helped to plan the National Order of Arrow Conference. I had always helped on the "Special Events" committee at this conference. But 10 minutes before the committees were announced, I went up to the national elected officer and said, "Put me on the "Shows" committee; I want to do something different this year, and I am a theater major after all."
It was a chance comment made on a whim, but that decision has changed my life, who my friends are, how I spend my summers, and where I ate tonight. It seems so odd that 30 seconds of a life can makes such a difference, such an impact.
But that is the reality of life… We make decisions every day that will determine incredible parts of our lives for years to come. When we are at the crossroads, we pick a path, not knowing what lies down the road. I'm reminded of the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz "You can go this way, but this way is nice too!"
The connection for me this day is in the story of St. Paul, the patron of the church and school I visited today (and also the author of today's First Reading which was about Melchizedek) St. Paul was on the road to Damascus and fell off his ass (donkey). For the first time, he was able to see the Lord, and forever his life was changed. It led him through Asia (Turkey). It led him to Rome. It led him to jail. It led him to his death. He could have had a simple, uneventful life had he made a different decision, but he didn't. He said "yes" to his calling.
My life will forever be different because I said "yes" to the calling of doing this pilgrimage. Part of that calling is to remind all you that something you do today will change your life forever. Whatever you decide, you will never be able to undo it, or get it back. You are invited to say "Yes." Are you ready?