Thursday, December 9, 2010
While in the big city (Sioux Falls) I used the morning for shopping. When you’re a priest, some of your personal shopping is very simplified. I picked up a couple of black clergy shirts, and will retire the two oldest and most worn ones. I stopped at the store where I always get black pants, and will work two new pairs into the rotation. My sisters always accused me of being fashion challenged, so the choice of basic black makes my life less complicated.
When I shop for gifts and other purchases, I usually know what I’m looking for before I go, and map out which stores I need to visit. One clerk saw me with pencil and paper crossing off a purchase and remarked, “Now there’s a man with a plan”!
When I got back to St. Joseph’s, the quickest way to spread the health news was to send out an email to everyone at the same time. Within minutes I had dozens of, “Hoorays”, “Greats” and “Boring is Good.” My favorite quick hit was “We’re glad you’re boring”!
Girls basketball season drew to a close tonight. Our 7th and 8th graders were on the road and our 4th and 5th grade girls played at home. Our 6th graders finished last night, held a pizza party to pass out awards and wrap up their season. Our coaches do a good job of getting playing time for everyone and teaching and encouraging.
I had to go to the Sheehy Home (boys High School) to check out the Buffalo hide they are working on. The Lower Brule tribe culls a few animals from its herd each year, and after a hunt our students were given the chance to learn to prepare the hide. It was stretched out in the garage, and the work of scraping and salting took lots of elbow grease. With final exams just a few days away, it wasn’t exactly the best timing for the project. But our students made the time to help because such work helps reinforce tradition and express culture.
“Sensible shopping”..! I would call that being a true Chestertonian..common sense man !
Don’t worry about your health. Take care of it, of course, but God needs you where you are, so a change of jobs is probably not in the works. As the old saying goes, he threw away the pattern when he made you..or lost it..so your replacement will take a GREAT DEAL of time to build..AFTER he can get some free time to do it. You’re stuck..! GOT THAT..?
Prayers and blessings..
Mia and Bob
A man with the plan and concern for your health. Good to be simple, it seems you need to move south where it is warmer. But I live in Mississippi and the days lately have been alot like the ones I remmeber when I lived in Nebraska. The Radio plays that winter song, baby it is cold outside. I write to you today with a struggle of a 18 year old Lakota child that is floundering in the cold and we are struggling to with the tough love. He says he wants his freedom, which we share with him that freedom is in the road, but while he lives here he is to be respectful. We need a simple plan. any thoughts.
Father Joseph – I have kept track of you thru your blogs and your progress – was so pleased to read of the Lord using mere man to assist Him in conquering your health situation…..those kids in your care so need you….blessings and blessings upon you this Christmas season and in 2011…..Marty Coburn, Wichita KS