Living Intentionally
I have wanted to blog for some time now. I really could not find my niche. After a meeting with some of my principal friends this month, it was suggested that I provide bits of wisdom that I have gathered over the years.
Let me start with a qualifier: I have learned from many others. Often, I cannot remember from whom I learned the information that I share. When I remember, I will give them credit, but just to start, I will listen most of them now. I have gleaned knowledge from many sources. To start, my Sunday School teachers at Van Winkle United Methodist Church taught me about Sacred Scripture. Once I found my home in the Catholic Church, my instructors at the Franciscan University at Steubenville taught me even more: Dr. Regis Martin, Dr. Scott Hahn. Dr. John Bergsma, Dr. Mark Miravelle. I listen to Bishop Robert Baron and Father Mike Schmitz. I bring a notebook to United States Military Academy Chaplain of Cadets Father Matthew Pawlikowski’s homilies! My mentor here at Nora Cronin, Sister Yliana Hernandez is a force with which to reckon! I learn from her every time we meet.
As the school year begins, I want to iterate that parents are the first teachers of their children. Therefore, parents, as well as teachers, have a huge responsibility. As James admonishes, Not many of you should become teachers, for you realize that we will be judged more strictly (James 3:1). Do not forget that Jesus warned us that “whoever causes one of these little ones, who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea (Matthew 18: 6).
As educators, we need to be intentional with our students. I cannot call a student into my office for wearing the uniform improperly if I have not explained how to wear it. I cannot tell a student to spit out her gum if I have not explicitly told her that gum chewing is not allowed.
We need to be intentional and live our lives intentionally. Since we are a Catholic Christian School, our Gospel values need to be intentional, too. Everyone entering my school needs to know that we live out the Gospel on the daily! Every choice that we make impacts everyone around us.
Nano Nagle, the Foundress of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, paraphrased Saint Francis of Assisi’s attributed phrase “Preach the Gospel always, and when you must, use words” into “Not Words, But Deeds.” I would add that your deeds should match your words. Children can spot a fake in a heartbeat. Be genuine, and make sure that your actions and your words are intentional.
Make Good Choices!
Keep it Catholic!
Pacem Tuum,
Dr. Tammy