I was engaged in various thoughts this week, and ultimately it came down to time and honor.
As we begin the first day of Spring, I’m sure various people are requesting your presence, or you want to attend a special event to honor them or vice versa.
Nevertheless, it’s not an issue if you have the time and money; you and I could do many things.
On the other hand, you and I realize that Father Time waits for no one, regardless of your money.
Sadly, I received notification last week that one of the priests (Father Michael) at my former church passed away. His father was also a military man, and he and I had great conversations about the military. In addition, because of this specific Priest, I chaired and led several Veteran’s Day Dinners sponsored by the Parish. I honestly had a positive experience during this season of my life that I encountered knowing him more on a personal level while serving as the Parish President.
In 2010 I attended Father Michael’s sister’s funeral in Virginia, and he often said he didn’t know why he outlived his sister because he was fighting a long battle with his kidneys on dialysis three times a week.
That statement was never further from the truth. Father Michael outlived his sister for 13 years and significantly impacted the church.
As I thought about Father Michael last week on my travels to church, I knew I wanted to pray for the repose of his soul, as my attention went to the traffic. I noticed that several blue lights were flashing as eight Police cars were blocking traffic, with one of the prominent traffic lights being nonoperational. I also saw at least six police officers standing in the middle of the intersection, having a conversation.
Luckily, it was on the other side of the road, and my traffic was flowing smoothly to Mass; however, as the police officers stood there talking, traffic was backing up on the other side.
I thought about time, and it appeared to me a strategy was required, which is why the police officers gathered in conversation.
Sometimes you and I need to figure out a strategy in our lives. At that moment, I reflected on a conversation with a veteran about three hours before heading to Mass.
My conversation was with Monty while I was in Walmart shopping.
Monty was wearing a 101st Screaming Eagle Patch on his hat with Air Assault Wings.
The Story of “Old Abe,” famous Wisconsin War Eagle on 101st Airborne Division patch | Article | The United States Army
Curious, I asked this elderly man if he was a “Rakkasan” which opened up a five-minute conversation in which we both enjoyed being military.
In short, he told me about how he was diagnosed with Cancer and had already outlived his doctor’s five-year prediction for his condition.
Monty also had a strategy for living life, like Father Michael, my Priest, that recently passed away.
By the way, the nickname “Rakkasans” is derived from the Japanese word for an umbrella.
187th Infantry Regiment (United States) | Military Wiki | Fandom
As a practicing Catholic, Lent is an excellent time to be thankful for the blessing received. On that Saturday, March 18, 2023, I was grateful for meeting Monty and hearing his story.
You and I can choose to take care of our health or let it go.
Lent is a reminder to continue looking inside and having that time for reflection.
Sometimes, you and I must slow down and reflect, regardless of how busy we are.
I’m glad I took the time to talk with Monty at Walmart.
Monty was a reminder that time is how you spend it.
By the way, Monty made my gratitude journal of one of the five things to be grateful for that I have continued to write each day since April 11, 2020.
Father Michael, God rest his soul, lived longer than anyone expected.
Michael Roverse Obituary (1958 – 2023) – Augusta, GA – The Augusta Press (legacy.com)
Early on during the Pandemic (May 5, 2020), I wrote a note to Father Michael because he was on my mind. He was the Parochial Vicar within our church.
I send him Christmas cards each year, and sadly looking back in my files, I found this letter I want to share with you about who Father Michael is as a person written from the heart.
Father Michael,
Today as I reflect, I’m reminded of you specifically and all the great times at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. I owe you a debt of gratitude from the time I went through RCIA in 2005 and 2006. Yes, I went through twice because Sister Laura Ann said I needed to go through the full seven or eight months. I have learned so much from that experience and your leadership. I want you to know that you’re in my prayers daily. God has allowed me to do so much and continues to bless me each day. I pray that you stay healthy and life treats you well despite your battle with dialysis since my conversion to the Catholic Faith. If you don’t get anything from this letter, just know it’s my utmost pleasure to say “Thank You” and “I Love You” for being the Priest that continues to give his all to others. Many don’t understand the quote, “You can’t give what you don’t have” yet today I’m still receiving your blessings that you have given me through your support in all your roles within the church.
McKinley
How you spend your time and money is up to you; however, “You’ll never see a U-Haul behind a hearse.”
You will never see a U-Haul behind a hearse (jawadweb.com)
Roy T. Bennett wrote “Don’t waste your time in anger, regrets, worries, and grudges. Life is too short to be unhappy.”
Monty at Walmart let me know he was living his best life.
Merriam-Dictionary defines time as “the measured or measurable period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues: DURATION”
What actions are you taking to use your time better? I’m honored for the opportunity to write each week.
