In big cities, people face the challenge of being stuck in traffic jams. A 15-mile trip home may turn into a two-hour ordeal. We don’t have that kind of problem in South Dakota, but do have to go long distances between towns. Last week, I had a 4 ½ hour round trip to see my spiritual director.
When the weather is good, the driving itself – with open roads and big sky – is a stress free time for prayer and reflection. Looking back and reviewing the past month, I remembered the people, places and events through which I’ve encountered God. The act of giving thanks regularly like that helps me keep focused and remember what life is about.
Today was a transition from lofty spiritual goals to mundane tasks like laundry, homily preparation and answering mail.
On Saturdays, I usually sort the mail myself. I give thanks for the people who generously support us; I pause a moment to look at the names and lift up a prayer. Today, I also noticed several colleges reaching out to our Native American high school students.
When I was in high school, mailboxes were filled with thick and colorful catalogues to attract attention to a particular school. Times have changed, however, and now I see more postcards that direct our Lakota students to an interactive web site. We at St. Joseph’s are also making efforts to print fewer materials and have more information available online.
However they may receive the information, our students are excited that universities think them potential candidates. Our high school support staff will guide them through the application process as they begin to dream where the future might take them.
I think too much is spent on mailing. I give, but I also get stuff in the mail. I think that is a lot of money spent on me, that could be spent better on the school. My thinking anyway. Take care and god be with the children.
Thank you for contacting us!
In our fundraising efforts, we have found that, while some people appreciate the things we send, there are just as many who do not. It would be our pleasure to see that you don’t receive any more gifts and hear from us only as often as you wish. Knowing these preferences helps us tremendously!
If you will let us know your complete mailing address, we’ll certainly take care of this for you.
Thank you again & God bless!