Leaves are falling from the trees and each passing day we are left with more and more bare branches.
This is nothing new, but rather a process that’s been repeating itself long before we ever took the time to notice. As unspectacular as Ohio weather can be at times, when the leaves start to change colors it’s nothing short of magnificent. The Fall fashion show that nature treats us to in the Buckeye state is a true display of remarkable beauty. This year is no exception.
Except for the fact that I have found myself noticing this annual ritual more than ever before.
I’d be remiss to overlook the fact that the same beauty reflected in the bright red, orange and yellow hues also signals the impending arrival of the cold, gray, and often brutal days ahead.
Irony? The calm before the storm? How about suffering?
This past weekend I spoke to the Youth Group at St. Joseph’s (Strongsville). The topic of my talk was about choosing to live. More specifically, choosing to live our lives the right way (however we decide to define that). Of course, I tried to plant some suggestions, as I typically do when talking on the subject.
Rather than delve into some of the specifics (guess you’ll just have to come hear me speak), I’ll posit the following:
Choosing to live the right way may entail suffering.
It might be presumptuous to say that living the right way “should” elicit some type of suffering, but in many cases it’s inevitable. Whether starting a diet, decluttering a house, shedding a toxic relationship, etc., making the conscious decision to change something can often be uncomfortable and scary.
Suffering can be a sacrifice. But while a sacrifice may be permanent, suffering doesn’t have to be. Maybe think of suffering as a long, cold winter that leads to regeneration of new leaves.
So if you are not living your life the right way, choose to turn over a new leaf. It might hurt and your branches might be bare for a spell, but they will flourish again.
They always do.
I end every talk I give with the story of how I came to appreciate the Scripture verse Romans 8:18, which talks about suffering. Coincidently, Dan, the principal of St. Ignatius recently forwarded me the picture below which hangs in the new LeCharles Bentley ’98 Gallery in the St. Ignatius Senior lounge. It talks about my connection to the Scripture verse. (You can read the original story here).
On another note, I finally broke ground on the new property in October. Fortunately, the Indian Summer we’ve been treated to has really made the early building stages much more manageable.
Finally, I’ve been spending more time working my core during my therapy workouts. I’ve seen some improved results of late and feel it’s getting me stronger.
My sincerest gratitude for the continued prayers and support!
Stand Strong!
Scott
Thank you, Scott. Your words are a compelling reminder to us all.
Blessings to you!
Hi Scott,
God Bless You, Scott. Thanks for ALWAYS inspiring.
Good Luck with your new home. How exciting!!!
GBY – Mary
hi scott glad things are well with you. yes, been some fantastic weather and i like it too. read John 15: “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3“You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6“If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. 7“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8“My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. 9“Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.. Just A Note on what i Practice every day. EVERY DAY I DO THESE THINGS NO MATTER WHAT. 1} Treat everybody the same. 2} Do the right thing. 3} Be on time. 4} Pray through the day. 5} Confess my sin. 6} Thank God for Jesus and tell Him i love Him. yep, every day and Scott your included in these Prayers i pray daily. It seems as i find more and more to pray about. i’m not perfect by far and fail often but i continue best i can. Your a good man scott and these little ones you speak to will never forget you, i’m sure of that. God Bless and great article….
Hi Scott,
Good to hear from you. As usual your posts are so inspiring. That is wonderful that the house is coming along so well. Rick and Patty are coming home for thanksgiving. God Bless you.
Love Cherry.
As always very uncomplicated but directive thoughts
Hope to visit soon while in Cleveland area for next 2 weeks
FMK
Thanks for your always thought provoking blogs. At times when I’m a bit down, I re read your blogs. You look great Scott, core strength is so important. God Bless you and your family
Scott,
I have complete faith in you. You will accomplish what you set out to do.
Great thoughts going forward from this beautiful fall to an inevitable winter. I’ll try to remember your words about suffering and growth as I battle through upcoming grey skies and cold. Congratulations on the place of honor in the LeCharles Bentley Center. Always in my rosary intentions, Scott.