3 Ways We Can Avoid Awkwardness and Apathy after the Ascension

May 16, 2026May 16, 2026 / chicoinematt / Leave a comment

Editor’s Note: Post originally published on June 1, 2019.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 675, “Before Christ’s second coming the Church must pass through a final trial that will shake the faith of many believers.” This Sunday Catholics across the world will celebrate the feast of the Ascension. Until recently, this high feast was celebrated on a Thursday—forty days after Easter. From a traditional standpoint normally a 10 day period existed from Ascension to the Coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday. Regardless, of the precise days, the main point is that for a brief period, the Apostles and early disciples of Jesus lived in a transition period from when Jesus no longer visibly existed in the similar manner that he did previously and the official descent of the Holy Spirit.

Suffering from a severe dryness in my spiritual life this Easter season got me thinking: maybe I am in a transitory period myself whereby the descent of the Holy Spirit is not apparent in my life. I feel completely dried up—spiritually! Obviously, my situation is not exactly the same as the 1^st century Christians who had to live for an awkward [and maybe apathetic] period before the official reception of the Paraclete. Nevertheless, maybe your life is at a stage similar to that awkward week and a half—pondering the return of Christ, experiencing doubt in Divine Providence, or possibly even living in fear or distress. Reflecting on Acts 1-2 and wisdom from the tradition of the Church—through the Catechism and the saints—I came up with three methods [not really earth-shattering] to avoid awkwardness and apathy in your spiritual life in the days after the Ascension!

Drink from the Wellspring of Worship

The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life” (CCC 1324). I have probably cited this paragraph more than any other passage, yet it is vitally important to the Catholic faith. What sustained the Apostles in the early Church while waiting for the Paraclete? The body of and blood of Jesus Christ in the form of the Eucharist—it is the wellspring, the origin of worship!

Although Jesus’ physical existence did not appear the same after his Ascension, he is still present to the Apostles [and to us] body, blood, soul, and divinity in the sacrament of the Eucharist. St. Pope John Paul II mentioned the importance of this sacrament in his encyclical letter Ecclesia de Eucharistia, “Her [The Church] foundation and wellspring is the whole Triduum paschale, but this is as it were gathered up, foreshadowed and “concentrated’ forever in the gift of the Eucharist” (no. 5). During periods of spiritual dryness we may be able to sojourn to the spiritual oasis of the Mass.

Hail, Mary: Mother of Perpetual Help, Mother of Good Counsel

Josemaria Escriva declared, “Love our Lady. And she will obtain abundant grace to help you conquer in your daily struggle.” I imagine the days following Jesus’ Ascension was a perilous time for Peter and the rest of the Apostles. During the most confusing and perilous times in my life it appears that Jesus is not present—the most difficult days lands in the middle of the work week when I lack the time to attend daily Mass or ability to go to Eucharistic adoration. Here is where my devotion to Mary is key to sustaining me during the staleness of my spiritual life. Jesus augmented Mary’s motherhood in John 19:27 with a simple command, “Woman, behold your son!” This is a reciprocal relationship as a mere verse later Our Lord urged the Apostle John [who represented humanity both individually and collectively] with the charge: “Behold, your mother!”

From my own experience, I normally contact my mom first [when my wife is not available!] after an incredibly stressful and frustrating day. This is not to downplay the role of my father, but there is something unique, almost mysterious about the ability for mother to sooth children in need. The Blessed Virgin Mary is no different. Mother of Perpetual Help pray for us. Mother of Good Counsel pray for us.

Trust in the Holy Spirit

The great scientist Isaac Asimov once purported, “Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It’s the transition that’s troublesome.” While the first two points of his statement may be debatable, it is quite difficult to argue that turning points in life, no matter how large or small, pose a challenge for everyone. Transitioning from physically seeing the Resurrected Christ to the age of the Church would have been a tough transitory event as well!

Jesus prepared his followers of the coming of the Holy Spirit prior to his Passion, Death, and Resurrection. According to Christ in John 14:15-19, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate^* to be with you always, 17 the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live.”

While the Holy Spirit did not formally descend upon the Apostles in the Upper Room until Pentecost Sunday, the power of the Holy Spirit allowed Jesus to be substantially present in the sacrament of the Eucharist. The Paraclete also guided Peter and the other Apostles in selecting a worthy replacement for Judas. Moreover, just before his Ascension Jesus repeated his promise to send another Helper to fortify his followers: “But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you,^g and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Hope Always Never Despair

Although you may in a spiritual dry spell [if not now you most certainly will encounter aridity and acedia—spiritual sloth– sometime in your life!], please do not despair. Hope is always on the horizon. Through the sacrament of the Eucharist, guide of Mary, and promise of the help of the Holy Spirit we receive strength and sustenance make it past any awkward and apathetic period in our spiritual journey. Never give up—hope in the Lord always!

The virtue of hope responds to the aspiration to happiness which God has placed in the heart of every man; it takes up the hopes that inspire men’s activities and purifies them so as to order them to the Kingdom of heaven; it keeps man from discouragement; it sustains him during times of abandonment; it opens up his heart in expectation of eternal beatitude. Buoyed up by hope, he is preserved from selfishness and led to the happiness that flows from charity (CCC 1818).

Related Links

Why Celebrate the Ascension?

Novena to the Holy Spirit

The Church’s Birthday: What Pentecost Teaches Us About the Holy Spirit

Thank you for sharing!

Controlling the Unexpected

August 7, 2025August 7, 2025 / chicoinematt

Editor’s Note: Post originally published on August 21, 2018.

According to 18th-century British poet Alexander Pope, “Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.” As a perfectionist who thrives on routine, my immediate reaction is to bristle at those words. I prefer order, structure, and clear expectations, and I don’t always respond gracefully when my plans unravel.

Yet, I’ve found myself challenged more and more to stretch beyond my preferences, especially when the unexpected barges in. I’m learning that growth often comes precisely when we release our white-knuckle grip on control.

Humanity as a whole tends to lean toward predictability. We crave the comfort of habit and routine. So when life throws a curveball, our instinct is to protest. We ask why. We question the timing. We may even resent the disruption.

A recent example: the changes to the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding the death penalty. I won’t get into that debate here (maybe in a future post), but the intensity of the reaction—especially online—shows how unsettled we become when the Church, or life itself, seems to deviate from the script we’ve written in our heads.

Our Desire for Control vs. God’s Plan for Freedom

C.S. Lewis offers a piercing insight into our attempts to “manage” the messiness of life. In A Grief Observed, he wrote:

“We were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, ‘Blessed are they that mourn,’ and I accept it. I’ve got nothing that I hadn’t bargained for. Of course it is different when the thing happens to oneself, not to others, and in reality, not imagination.”

That last line is especially humbling. It’s easy to accept the theology of suffering in the abstract, much harder when it knocks on your door personally. We want life on our terms—timed, tidy, and manageable. But even the names of things, like “Planned Parenthood,” hint at our desperate desire to domesticate what was never meant to be controlled.

Of course, God could have made us automata. But He didn’t. He gave us something far riskier: freedom. And with freedom comes the possibility of evil, but also the possibility of love.

Lewis captures this tension perfectly in The Case for Christianity:

“Why, then, did God give [us] free will? Because free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having… A world of automata, of creatures that worked like machines, would hardly be worth creating.”

Love Is Worth the Unexpected

After a long week of wrangling my three kids—taking them to the park, refereeing their arguments, picking up toys for the 100th time, and navigating bedtime for the 1,000th—it’s easy to feel drained. Exhausted, I find it hard to be fully present to my wife.

That’s when I notice the tension: am I seeking to control the bedtime routine, or am I trying to love my family well?

When I get too fixated on control, when I parent from anxiety instead of love, I actually lose control. Love involves letting others act freely within good boundaries. God, as the perfect Father, models this. He allows us the freedom to accept or reject His love. And yet, He never stops inviting.

When I allow room for the unexpected—bedtime detours, messy prayers, spontaneous laughter—I often find that love shows up in surprising ways. And that’s the real goal: to choose love over rigid control, every day.

The Creativity of the Creator

Love not only invites freedom; it also sparks creativity. And creativity suffers when we try to control everything.

When I think of the most creative people I know—whether Einstein, Tolkien, Edison, or my own children—there’s always a spark of freedom, wonder, and play. Creation isn’t born from fear or calculation. It’s born from love, vision, and a willingness to embrace risk.

Genesis 1 reminds us that God is not an indifferent architect. He is an attentive, joyful Creator, delighting in both the vastness of the stars and the details of sparrows. That divine creativity continues through us, His creatures. I see it daily in the Lego towers my kids build, the “dance parties” they host with stuffed animals, the wild adventures they imagine.

Of course, some boundaries are needed. Rules and routines help children (and adults) flourish. But when control reigns supreme, we risk choking the life out of joy.

Control Is Not the Goal

J.R.R. Tolkien put it bluntly:

“The most improper job of any man, even saints… is bossing [controlling] other men. Not one in a million is fit for it, and least of all those who seek the opportunity.”

That includes bossing around our own lives.

I’m not saying we should throw structure out the window. Discipline matters. Planning has its place. But if we cling to control as the ultimate good, we start to treat people—including ourselves—like problems to solve instead of persons to love.

The Church teaches that the purpose of life is to know, love, and serve God. We do this best when we allow His grace to surprise us. When we stop demanding control and start delighting in the unexpected, we find glimpses of heaven in the ordinary.

Maybe Pope was right after all: “Blessed is he who expects nothing…” Not because we aim low, but because we open ourselves to whatever God has planned.

And in His hands, even the unexpected is worth it.

Thank you for sharing!

Transfiguring Humanity—Reflections on the Transfiguration of Christ

August 5, 2025August 4, 2025 / chicoinematt

Editor’s Note: Post originally published on August 9, 2018.

Among the most bizarre, mysterious, and interesting accounts in the New Testament is the event of the Transfiguration of Jesus. The dictionary defines the word transfiguration as “a complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state. Common synonyms for transfiguration include: metamorphosis, changeover, transformation, development, adjustment, and even mutation!! Growing up Catholic I have listened to the Gospel telling of this mysterious events many times.

The Transfiguration of Jesus. After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

Foretaste of Heavenly Reality

The primary purpose of the glory of Jesus shown [shone] to Peter, James, and John was meant as a means to prepare them for the glorification of God after the Resurrection and to hint at the beauty of transfigured humanity. According to Saint Pope Saint John Paul II in his 1999 homily for the Feast of the Transfiguration, “In the event of the Transfiguration we contemplate the mysterious encounter between history, which is being built every day, and the blessed inheritance that awaits us in heaven in full union with Christ, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.”

Humanity’s Home in Heaven

Similar to the previous point is that fact that man is on a pilgrim journey, a sojourner on Earth—whose ultimate destination is union with God in Heaven. John Paul II echoed this truth as well,

“We, pilgrims on earth, are granted to rejoice in the company of the transfigured Lord when we immerse ourselves in the things of above through prayer and the celebration of the divine mysteries. But, like the disciples, we too must descend from Tabor into daily life where human events challenge our faith. On the mountain we saw; on the paths of life we are asked tirelessly to proclaim the Gospel which illuminates the steps of believers.”

I imagine the incredible letdown the Apostles must have felt in the moments after the dazzling and inexplicable event of the Transfiguration. Going back to following Jesus in an ordinary way, traveling from town to town, learning from him, and assisting the poor certainly did not compare to the splendor they witnessed on Mount Tabor. It definitely would have been challenging to transition back into that routine! Heck, Peter even desired to stay in the holy place when he declared, “If you wish, I will make three tents* here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

Let the Holy Spirit Transfigure Your Life

Coming out of Sunday liturgy, I leave with a similar wonder and awe as the inner circle of Jesus received on that original Transfiguration event. Housing the Real Presence of Lord after reception of the Eucharist provides me incredible peace and patient strength. In a way, we all undergo a momentary transfiguration—a foretaste of Heavenly reality in the Mass. Going back to our worldly affairs, we quickly lose sight and memory of our close encounter with God. May we continue to ask the Holy Spirit to guide us with clarity and strength on our pilgrimage toward Heaven!

Finding Magic in the Mundane

January 15, 2025January 15, 2025 / chicoinematt

The Existential Cubicle

What am I doing here? Is this all to life? These thoughts occasionally cross my mind as I sit in my work cubicle. Struggling with the daily routine of work and family life, my mind tends to wander off toward fantasy. I think part of it stems from a desire to escape my mundane situation. Reading fantasy allows me to attain that escapism while remaining in the comfort of my living room.

A Moment of Literary Insight

After putting my children to bed and waiting for my wife to return from errand-running, I had some free time to read. I picked up Chesterton’s Orthodoxy and spent about twenty minutes navigating his semi-autobiographical work. Suddenly, I stopped at a passage from his fourth chapter entitled The Ethics of Elfland. The great English wordsmith writes, “I have said that stories of magic alone can express my sense that life is not only a pleasure but a kind of eccentric privilege” (Orthodoxy p. 54).

Life as an Eccentric Privilege

In other words, we shouldn’t merely enjoy life via self-gratification, but rather view our existence on this earth through the lens of privilege—life is a free gift. My children point to this reality, often lost as we reach adulthood, that life should be joyful. We should revel in the strangeness and idiosyncrasies of the universe, not quake at the seeming despair when we encounter things and events that do not fit our controlled world.

The Fallacy of Repetition

On the other end of the adult’s worldview lies perceiving re-occurrence as a bad thing or something to avoid. Chesterton put it this way:

“All towering materialism which dominates the modern world rests ultimately upon one assumption; a false assumption. It supposes that if a thing goes on repeating itself it is probably dead; a piece of clockwork. People feel that if the universe was personal it would vary; if the sun were alive it would dance. This is a fallacy even in relation to known fact…A man varies his movements because of some slight element of failure or fatigue…For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, ‘Do it again’ to the sun; and every evening, ‘Do it again’ to the moon” (Orthodoxy pp. 50-51).

Rediscovering Wonder and Awe

Wonder and awe stem from the ability to be amazed at creation even if it’s the hundredth or thousandth time viewing a starry night or noticing a bird gathering straw for her nest. Children possess the magic of living—the ability to love life despite doing the same activity over and over again. Monotony, dullness, and lethargy do not enter the vocabulary of youth. Chesterton reminded me that I need to return to my youth. I need to jettison the false assumption that repetition is inherently bad and variety alone leads to life!

Finding Magic in Reality

I need not enter the Pevensie’s wardrobe, or a supernatural rabbit hole, or even run headfirst toward a brick-wall on an English train station between platforms 9 and 10 (although I did visit this fictional landmark during my trip to Europe 😊). Instead, I can encounter magic in this life by visiting my children’s closet as I gaze at the array of Lego men and women scattered in an apparent random order on top of, within, and under the closet shelves. What adventures are they going on today?

I can also lower myself to the level of my youngest son as his eyes open with joy at the sound of the door opening. He enjoys leaving in the morning as he gets to meander outside and gaze at the wheels of my car. How incredibly simple, yet fulfilling would life be if I approached every day as a magical experience?

Embracing the Divine Perspective

The life of children is akin to that of our Divine Creator—they do not get bogged down by the monotony [apparent monotony that is] in this world. I ask for the Holy Spirit to enliven my soul to view any dullness and routine in my life as a gift!

“Perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, ‘Do it again’ to the sun; and every evening, ‘Do it again’ to the moon”

Thank you for sharing!

3 Similarities I Share with my Namesake— Saint Matthew

September 21, 2024June 4, 2025 / chicoinematt / 1 Comment

Editor’s note: Article originally published on September 23, 2018.

According to Rick Riordan, author of the acclaimed young adult series Percy Jackson, “Names had power!” Among the first questions people ask parents upon the birthday of a child is “which name did you choose? Names also possess a meaning.

Now you may or may not be aware of the meaning or purpose of the name your parents choose for you. If you are not aware, it would be an interesting conversation to discover why they choose a particular name. If there was no particular reason, it would still be interesting to look up the history of your namesake or the literal meaning of it.

The general reason for my name selection is due to my parents being Catholic. It’s customary for Catholics to name their children after one of the saints.

Celebrating the feast day of the St. Matthew is something I regretted that I didn’t consciously do until last year. Along with eating a special dinner with my wife, reading today’s Gospel, and playing a fun board game, I am going to also celebrate by recognizing a few similarities I share with my personal patron!

You Owe Me

Within the past year, I took on a new position in the company as a student loan debt collector. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and modern technology certainly has softened collection practices in recent years. But debt collectors still don’t have a positive connotation in today’s society. Back in the time of 1st century Palestine, the stigma against debt collectors was prevalent. In fact, tax collectors were especially hated by the Jews as they were viewed as sell-outs who worked for the “evil” Roman Empire.

My new association with debt collections brings the challenges of dealing with angry, concerned, confused, and desolate customers. However, my new job comes with a hidden joy of being more closely linked with St. Matthew.

Matthew—Lover of Theology

Along with sharing similar occupations with St. Matthew, I possess a thirst for discovering knowledge about God just like the Gospel writer. Theology refers to faith seeking understanding. Among the saints Matthew possessed a privileged opportunity of being selected as an Apostle of Jesus Christ. What is more, Matthew together with St. John is the only individual able to claim being both an Evangelist and Apostle!

Matthew’s Gospel is laden with parables and the incredible Sermon on the Mount. He shows Jesus as the Good Teacher always willing to shed light on the truth of God’s love. I am always emboldened by the following words of Christ proclaims to conclude Matthew’s gospel, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt 28:19-20, emphasis added mine).

Matthew was Called by God

While the saint whose moniker I bear did not always believe in Jesus, he experienced a profound conversion. Matthew’s calling is significant. All three Synoptic Gospels include this episode as important in the public life and ministry of Jesus.

Being a cradle Catholic myself, I lack that momentous public conversion that St. Matthew experienced. However, this does not mean that I never underwent a conversion. Actually, my Catholic faith and reliance has slowly deepened over the course of my college years, and nascent parenting years.

A couple years ago I took an assessment on the various charisms that would most likely be my natural God-given gift. My two highest [according to the questions I answered] included the charism of writing and evangelization. I’m sure St. Matthew helped foster those talents.

The craziness of wrangling three ( now four) overtired kids and bustle of the workday delayed my celebration of Matthew the Evangelist’s Feast Day. Tonight, I plan on celebrating my patron saint! Jesus chose an unworthy man to be among his apostles. If God can choose sinners and tax collectors, certainly we are called by Him to follow in the footsteps of the saints who came before us.

Collect [From the Liturgy of the Feast of St. Matthew]

O God, who with untold mercy were pleased to choose as an Apostle Saint Matthew, the tax collector, grant that, sustained by his example and intercession, we may merit to hold firm in following you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

Re-Gaining a Sense of Voyage in Life

September 5, 2024September 21, 2024 / chicoinematt

Editor’s Note: Article originally published on October 18, 2018.

As a child I had a fascination with maps, geography, and the idea of being on a quest. My favorite books to read as a kid included the famous Greek epic The Odyssey and the Redwall Series by English author Brian Jacques. Both included a sense of adventure whereby the main character(s) trekked across dangerous terrain and met obstacles to overcome (external and internal struggles) before arriving at their destination towards the end of the story. The word odyssey means journey, pilgrimage, or trek.

As a father of four [one is in utero!], I am able to reacquaint myself with the sense of life as a voyage. Frequently, I lose sight of reality as the flood of daily temptations, confusion, and struggles assail me. My 5-year-old daughter definitely got her penchant for atlases from me. Almost every day, she asks me, “Daddy! Can you please get me paper and markers for me to make a map?!” Cartography reigns supreme in my household—especially on rainy days!

Life is a Journey

The other day I read an article online that referenced the importance of returning to a sense of voyage. A quote from St. Thérèse of Lisieux stuck in my mind after I went on with the rest of my day. The Doctor of the Church wrote, “The symbol of a ship always delights me and helps me to bear the exile of this life.”

Her words convey a truth that something about sea travel points to a higher reality. Perhaps it is because we named our child Noah, named after the Old Testament figure who crafted the ark, that I tend to have boats on the mind—at least subconsciously. Or maybe, there is something innate in each of us that desires the continual movement that travel affords us. St. Augustine famously declared, “Our hearts are restless, until they rest in you [God].”

Here is a well-written and easy to understand article on the connection between Noah’s Ark and its prefiguring of the Catholic Church: Ten Ways Noah’s Ark Prefigured the Church. Just as the giant boat housed the holy individuals of Noah and his family, so too, does the Catholic Church safeguard individuals striving for holiness against the dangers of the deluge of temptations!

Catholic Church is New Ark

Hope on the Heavenly Horizon

Another important point that stands out regarding the maritime theme is that life is bearable when we look to the Promised Land—Heaven—as our destination. When times get tough, during the turbulence of life we look beyond our vehicle, and outside of ourselves toward the horizon—toward the rising of the Sun [Son]!

Every quest involves dead-ends, treacherous terrain, and wild beasts [physical and/or spiritual]. Fellowship is essential for any journey—just ask Frodo the Hobbit!

Knowing life is a voyage helped remind me I’m not alone in the journey. God send you helpmates along the way!

Family. Friends. Saints.

When life gets your down and despair sets in, please be reminded that you still have a road ahead. You have the ability to pick the road on this pilgrimage of life. Make life more joyful by following the witnesses of the holy ones before us!

3 Things I Learned about Life from Mowing the Lawn

August 25, 2024August 26, 2024 / chicoinematt

Editor’s Note: Post originally published on August 18, 2019.

According to author Joyce Meyer, “Even if you think the grass is greener on the other side, you’re going to have to mow that side too.” I got to thinking about grass, growth, and the greener side of things during a rare backyard mowing session. Due to precipitation from the late summer thunderstorms and the extended time between mowings, it took longer than usual to mow.

The sound of the lawn mower combined with the cool from a steady breeze allowed me mind to wander. I got to thinking, “I wish I trimmed the grass more often. It is like I am in a jungle out here!’ Mowing more frequently will make cutting the lawn easier. I also learned the following lessons about life as I gave my backyard its much needed haircut!

Cut Concerns Down with Consistency

“Part of courage is simple consistency,” Peggy Noonan, former speech writer for the late President Ronald Reagan stated. Maintaining frequency and a steady habit when it comes to your work and family life go a long ways in trimming down trouble. Probably the single because reasons for my success in dealing with irate customers was that I consistency approached the situations with tried and true methods to address and resolve their concerns. When you discover a process that work for your particular situation don’t change it. You may have to adjust your approach from time to time. You will likely have to tailor your service to fit client or customer needs, but the overall approach is consistency.

As a writer, I have learned that my best success occurs when I am consistently creating content. I make it my goal to post at least 2-3 times a week to ensure I am reaching you my audience. If I go on a sudden writing hiatus, you will be disenchanted about my work. You may get bummed you did not see the latest article. Eventually, if the erraticness goes to long, an audience could leave. I would be bummed as well! I enjoy hearing your feedback. I enjoy seeing my favorite bloggers write regularly.

Being consistent builds trust. Consistent communication between a husband and wife forges trust. Consistent content generation helps businesses establish with their customers. Be consistent. Mow the lawn frequently and your grass will shine green for you!

Grow Consistently and Healthily with Gratitude

Want to experience a joy that is unshakable and frequently visited? Let’s do an experiment! Think of all the things you are thankful for! Set a timer for 2 minutes. Jot down all the blessings in your life. I ensure you when you reflect on this list you will find an otherworldly joy that cannot be taken from you if you practice gratitude consistently and authentically.

Graze down the weeds of despair with the scythe of thanksgiving.

Friendship is a Fertilizer for Long-Term and Natural Growth

The third life lesson I learned while mowing is that relationships matter. St. Thomas Aquinas once declared, “There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” True friends listen to you and also are truthful enough to provide you a push to be a better person. My wife is my best friend and toughest critic. She supports me and challenges me to be a better person.

Along with gratitude, friendships acts as a catalyst and fertilizer for character growth. Lifelong friends help the best as they help you weather the harshest of climates. Love yourself by embracing the love of your friends. Let them shower you with kindness, advice, and learning opportunities.

While we wish for greener lawns (or pastures), it is important to realize that true and lasting growth does not come right away. Daily gratitude and frequently relying on your closest friends provide the best environment for growth. Start mowing down the concerns in your life now!

Thank you for sharing!

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