For the Kingdom

So ... my wife suggested during our first date night in nearly 2 months that I should consider blogging. An opportunity to reflect on the day and an aid in keeping up with a "personal" diary. And, a chance to keep up with loved ones.
So begins this blogging thing ...

Last year's theme was "Finish." I did my best to apply it to everything I set my mind to - Formation Classes, concerts, moving, daily mass, moving again and preparing for the birth of my son. I always envisioned at the end of the year hearing the voice, "It is finished ... well done, good and faithful servant." Alas, I did hear this as I watched the ball drop on New Year's eve, but it sounded curiously like my own internal dialogue.

Either way, 2005 presented its challenges and triumphs. At school was perhaps the greatest negative scar on my mind in 5 years of teaching: the utter breakdown of as-close-as-you-can-get utopia. I never thought Christians could get so angry. Either my naivete or a case study on "Christians." But I can't completely blame them; I've had my off days/months/years as a Christian, too.

This year, 2006, the G theme is "For the Kingdom." Whatever, whenever, with whomever. It will involve my beautiful wife and 2 amazing little children. It will encompass extended family and friends whom I consider family. It may involve a career modification - possibly working for the Church full time. I will graduate with a second bachelors degree. I will sing and write new songs. I may even run on a bum knee from time to time.

But whatever the topic or personnel involved, I will focus my energies this year, by His grace & His Spirit, on working "for the Kingdom." All prayers in helping me with this endeavor are greatly appreciated.

Theological Side Note: As a Catholic, you are only technically required to attend mass once a year by canon law. But, technically, a human can survive on water, beans & corn tortilla. Why snack on munchies when you've got an open-ended invitation to a feast? Just a thought.