Two Sundays ago at Mass, my priest reflected on something his sister (a journalist for many years) mentioned to him while he was home on vacation. She’s noticed that younger generations are good at protesting and telling politicians what changes need to be made, but many don’t roll up their sleeves and put in the work. Obviously this is just one opinion and there are many exceptions to the contrary, but I’ve thought about that story and my own actions ever since. Am I someone who adds to the noise without doing my part?
I don’t want to speak without action, but I also must be content in the vocation I’ve been given. I may not be able to hop on a plane to serve across the United States or in foreign countries. But maybe change doesn’t have to be so extravagant. Change begins with relationship; it begins with grace and love and truth. I may not solve the immigration crisis or end world hunger, but I can practice my Spanish in order to speak warmly to immigrant families in my community. I can add a few extra items to my grocery cart to bring to the food bank. Even tiny, little ripples can make a difference.
INTENTIONS FOR THE BEGINNING OF AUGUST
- buy the last supplies needed for school
- write the first six weeks of lesson plans
- order two lunchboxes for S and TJ (for co-op)
- buy new sneakers for M and S
- schedule Sophie’s Kindergarten immunizations
- finally finish my Dorothy Day book (fingers crossed for a break in library holds!)
- list five items on Poshmark
- work on the piecing of my “Memere quilt”
- Draino the bathroom sink
- hang art in the living room
- book a photography session for family photos in the fall
- download the Duolingo app and make a plan to review a little Spanish daily
- sign up to get on the email list for our church’s HOOPS (Helping Our Own Parishioners) program
What about you? What do you hope to accomplish in the next two weeks?
