Some exciting times, yes indeed. In my last column I said I was going to try slowing things down a bit. Well, that’s not working out so well. Actually, things are happening at a pretty fast clip around here.
I’m hanging on for the ride and enjoying the action though — specifically, the kids’ basketball games. Justine’s basketball team lacks numbers so the girls that are out for the sport are getting to see a lot of action. When the other teams have substitutes to add freshness to their game, our same St. John’s Prep girls are still hustling up and down the court.
And that’s where things get a bit trying. Thirty-six minutes is a long time to be running up and down the court time and time again. I love watching them though. Their drive. Their energy. Their determination. It brings back memories from my high school days. We didn’t score too many victories, but I loved the game and what it did for my self-confidence. Hopefully the same will ring true for Justine and her teammates.
Luke, my favorite son (also my only son), is playing basketball for the first time ever this year as a seventh-grader. It’s really fun to watch the progress he’s made from his first game to now. Let’s just say there’s a lot less traveling and a lot better free throw percentage going on his part.
He’s the big guy down under the basket, ready to tip it in or get the rebound, depending on whether St. John’s Prep is on offense or defense. Luckily for him, there are some very good ball handlers on his team that unselfishly pass the ball to him quite frequently.
Other news
More excitement: My niece asked me to be her confirmation sponsor and mentor. I feel way honored — and way under-qualified.
We’ve met three times so far and covered the first three sessions in the confirmation process booklet. Just like last year when my oldest went through the process, this is giving me such a better understanding of the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit and how the sacrament is such a bold statement of moving forward in one’s faith journey.
I hope I’ll always be an example to my niece of what it means to listen for that still small voice of the Holy Spirit and to continually be striving to grow closer to the Lord.
And, one more exciting thing in my life: Mom is adjusting to her new life at Park View. It is so nice to be able to bop in and say hi almost on a daily basis. It seems I’m always going into Melrose for something, so having her this close by is such a blessing for me. Yes, she misses her friends from the farm, but she’s making new friends and seems to be enjoying everything else about her new home.
It’s great when things go in a positive direction. Praise God. And, when the struggles come — as they always do — praise God. Because the difficulties help us grow.
Speaking of difficulties, I’m mentally preparing myself for another coffee-free Lent. I can do this. It’s going to be a sacrifice but that’s exactly what it’s meant to be. Praise God in all circumstances, not?
Rita Meyer is married and the mother of four children age 17 and under. She and her family are members of St. John the Baptist Parish in Meire Grove. Email her at ritameyer@meltel.net.