Get a Life Shelley

“When that cross leaves at the end of Mass, we’re supposed to be following that cross out the doors, and following Jesus into the world to share his love and mercy through His Spirit.”

- Mark Hart, in this week’s Sunday Sunday Sunday

http://lifeteen.com/sunday-sunday-sunday-052712/

Wow, a much better, MUCH better reflection than “The priest with the cross left? Alright, Mass is over!”

(Source: inmytsinelas)

What an amazing, lovely book. They gave this to all people participating in the SSLP who will be at sites directed towards those with developmental disabilities. The book is about the author’s relationship with Adam, who was so severely “disabled” that he could not even complete daily tasks or even talk without assistance.

I put quotes around disabled because at this point, I’m convinced it’s a misused term. At my site, Sharing Meadows in Indiana, the wonderful Camp coordinator Sandy reminded me that these individuals are not “disabled,” but other-abled. Being “other-abled” made much more sense after finishing Adam.

For Nouwen, we’re all disabled in some way.  An “accomplished” man, a priest and professor at Notre Dame, Harvard, and Yale, he can’t seem to escape his disillusionment and depression. Even with an extensive education in theology and Christian teachings, Nouwen truly sees Jesus and the love of God in Adam. Not once in the book did Nouwen express sorrow or regret at Adam’s state. With seizures and many sufferings, Adam exemplified resilience yet reliance on others.  Nouwen was simply one of many who was so impacted by Adam. He recounts numerous people who found the same peace and happiness after experiencing the silent, therapeutic presence of Adam. The only sort of sorrow or despair mentioned was for Adam’s death. Detailing his funeral and last moments, this uplifting books had details that were truly heartbreaking. Yet, Nouwen ends the book with hope with a clear message about love and dignity.

This book struck with me, a college student searching for true purpose and fulfillment after graduation. Thus, “Adam” is a reminder that human existence doesn’t depend on contrived definitions or worldly expectations. Sharing with one another, showing and receiving love, and being gracious for life, are more than enough.

Jesus said to his disciples:
“As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father’s commandments
and remain in his love.

“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you
and your joy might be complete.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this,
to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I no longer call you slaves,
because a slave does not know what his master is doing.
I have called you friends,
because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you
and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain,
so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
This I command you: love one another.”

John 15:9-17

I stress and worry a lot. That was especially true during this academic year. I don’t think stress and worry are inherently bad, but it makes me forget the many, many blessings that that God gave me. Now that I’m halfway done with ND (something I’m still coming to terms with), I realize there’s a lot of things I should be thankful for.

Here are just a few:

• Spending Fall Break at the Andre House in Phoenix
• Secretary for AAA
• Creative Directing for Asian Allure
• Kpoping for Asian Allure
• Opening for Kevin Shea
• living with some awesome, supportive, and most of all really patient roommates in Quad 313
• Family coming during football weekend!!
• Appalachia Spring Break in Our Lady of Mountains School <3
• AAA freshman retreat and Winter Retreat
• the amazing people of Race Monologues
• standing room shows for Student Stand-ups, getting leadership passed on
• Medieval Times with Student Stand-ups
• Catechism with the 1st grade Cate-kids with the amazing Hanna Crooks!
• Holy Week masses with Jaehyun :)
• first year in PLS
• first year in FTT
• Intro to Film, a ridiculously fun class filled with awesome people
• all-nighters in the law school library with Shannon and Elizabeth :)

Thank you to all the wonderful people I met who are making my experience at Notre Dame so, so unforgettable.

“The most certain sign of wisdom is cheerfulness.” - Michel de Montaigne