Daily Prayer & Reflection

It seems there could be no way on earth that we are poised on the verge of October and have already welcomed Autumn a week ago! And yet, here we are - this is how quickly time can slip away from us.

In looking at guidelines to foster EXCELLENCE, we came upon 8 keys to being successful...8 ways we can take on one issue at a time and work at becoming truly our best selves. Even a first step requires patience with ourselves and a willingness to start over if we need to. The question to ask ourselves is this:  When I tackle one of these keys, how can I think about it in my life?  And how can I change to make this better?

 

There is no order to these - just take one, focus on it for a time, and see if you can do more. The phrase after is just a starting point, the choices are ours and the timing is ours. There is no ONE WAY, but an individual path for each of us. These are spiritual exercises that give more strength and muscle to our relationship with God and with one another.     

Integrity - Do our behaviors and our values match?

Failure - Do I learn from the mistake and move to success?

Speech - Do I speak honestly and kindly?

Presence - Do I make the most of each moment and connect with each person I meet?

Commitment - Do I get out there and make my dreams come true?

Ownership - Do I take responsibility for my choices and actions?

Flexibility - Do I make an effort to see all sides of an issue, to think differently?

Balance - Do I try to be my best self with family, friends, and others at home and work?

Most of all, remember: there is NO PERFECTION/COMPLETION to any of these efforts. We are all on the same journey called life and we all move at our own pace with our own demands and responsibilities - our own strengths and our own weaknesses. The secret to making progress rests in our willingness to admit that we all need help along this journey and God makes the perfect traveling partner.  Once we are ready, there is no end to what each of us can accomplish!  There is no limit to the joy we can feel in our hearts.

May we each enjoy a beautiful autumn, an easy adjustment to moving into that darker period of the year, a more committed effort to improve myself in some ways, and the willingness to ask for help and be a help to others. Plan to take a hard look at the month of October at its end and honestly evaluate successes and be ready to start again!

Many blessings to all! May this verse from St. Paul's letter to the Romans (the ruling empire of the day) encourage you...

 

This Friday, October 3, is the anniversary of the death of St. Francis and Saturday, October 4, is the Feast Day of St. Francis. Our school liturgy honoring this saint will be celebrated on October 3 at 9:35 a.m. in our Auditorium. We always remember our families, alumnae living and deceased, and all of your intentions.  Many blessings and good wishes to all!