How do you make a farewell luncheon a little more memorable? Give the gift of socks.
Do you have a co-worker who knows how to add a spark of life to everything? If you have ever had the experience of working with someone like that, you know how good it can be. You also know it can be a bit perilous as well. It can keep a perpetual question sitting in the back of one's mind. What is going to happen next and how will it impact me?
A simple "Farewell Luncheon" recently reminded me of the surprises lurking in the smallest of places. One gift was sitting at my place at the restaurant. It was a small box beautifully adorned with a bow that was bigger than the box. A little bit of me wondered what was going to pop out of the box when I opened it.
As I carefully opened the box, and listened to see if I could hear ticking in the process, I was surprised to see some colorful fabric underneath the gift paper inside. As I pulled it out I realized that I had been given a pair of socks. Once I unrolled the socks and saw the image and the printing on them, I knew this luncheon would never be the same.
Of course, I try to never let a good opportunity pass by without capitalizing on the moment at hand. Thus, I took my new socks to the next table and showed them to a guy who I knew was a "never-Trumper." I thanked him profusely for his part in obtaining for me such a wonderful gift. I won't go into detail, but let's just say that the conversation never lulled from that moment onward.
This was all done in great fun. (No one had to go find a safe space in the process.) However, it did highlight how differently each of us can perceive things.
"A nation divided against itself cannot stand." Sacred Scripture provides this insight. Abraham Lincoln reiterated it in one of his speeches. There is profound wisdom in the statement, and it provides a roadmap of where we are headed as a country. I think most of us can agree that we are a country deeply divided. The question then becomes, "When will we fall as a nation?"
The soul of our country is in peril. This isn't about a pair of socks or even a MAGA hat. It should be clear by now that politicians will not solve our problems. (In many cases they are the problem.) We need people who are willing to walk humbly with God if we desire healing and peace for our land. Each one of us has a role to play. How can you help build the Kingdom of God in your own home, parish, and community?
Do you have a co-worker who knows how to add a spark of life to everything? If you have ever had the experience of working with someone like that, you know how good it can be. You also know it can be a bit perilous as well. It can keep a perpetual question sitting in the back of one's mind. What is going to happen next and how will it impact me?
A simple "Farewell Luncheon" recently reminded me of the surprises lurking in the smallest of places. One gift was sitting at my place at the restaurant. It was a small box beautifully adorned with a bow that was bigger than the box. A little bit of me wondered what was going to pop out of the box when I opened it.
As I carefully opened the box, and listened to see if I could hear ticking in the process, I was surprised to see some colorful fabric underneath the gift paper inside. As I pulled it out I realized that I had been given a pair of socks. Once I unrolled the socks and saw the image and the printing on them, I knew this luncheon would never be the same.
Of course, I try to never let a good opportunity pass by without capitalizing on the moment at hand. Thus, I took my new socks to the next table and showed them to a guy who I knew was a "never-Trumper." I thanked him profusely for his part in obtaining for me such a wonderful gift. I won't go into detail, but let's just say that the conversation never lulled from that moment onward.
This was all done in great fun. (No one had to go find a safe space in the process.) However, it did highlight how differently each of us can perceive things.
"A nation divided against itself cannot stand." Sacred Scripture provides this insight. Abraham Lincoln reiterated it in one of his speeches. There is profound wisdom in the statement, and it provides a roadmap of where we are headed as a country. I think most of us can agree that we are a country deeply divided. The question then becomes, "When will we fall as a nation?"
The soul of our country is in peril. This isn't about a pair of socks or even a MAGA hat. It should be clear by now that politicians will not solve our problems. (In many cases they are the problem.) We need people who are willing to walk humbly with God if we desire healing and peace for our land. Each one of us has a role to play. How can you help build the Kingdom of God in your own home, parish, and community?
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