In today’s Gospel when Zacchaeus got the word that Jesus was coming, he staked out a spot, perched in a tree, where he might best see Him. I can’t tell you how many times I staked out a spot somewhere along the path of where I might get a glimpse of one of our Popes (Paul, John Paul I, John Paul II, Benedict, AND Francis)! From a young teen, I was drawn to someone chosen by humans as our highest spiritual leader. Like Zacchaeus, I was searching to feel some Holiness in my life…to be exalted in goodness.

Experiencing the cycle of life in nature, for me, never grows old. Throughout the seasons, I am exalted in the tapestry of God’s goodness, those glimpses that take my breath away. I search for goodness in finding the best spot to soak in all of God’s splendor in nature. And when I find it; I count my blessings!

excerpts from NATIVE AMERICAN PRAYER

I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
I am with you in each new dawn.

One of my goals as Youth Minister is to help teens see God working in their lives...to give them opportunities to follow in Jesus’ footsteps...and to feel the Holy Spirit empower them to receive that “gut knowing feeling” of enlightenment that, without a shadow of doubt, He reigns in us! For that is pure goodness!

This week, as I travel to Florida to spend time with my Mom and siblings, I am also exalted in the goodness that, although we all live miles apart, we still make family blessings a priority in our lives. Family is in many ways synonymous with the word “Holy” - exalted and worthy of complete devotion in goodness and righteousness. May you count your blessings of God’s goodness…