by Brandon Jubar

Last week I talked about my belief that we all need goals and aspirations -- and we should all make plans and dream dreams. I think we are purposeful beings, and it is good for our sanity to have things to do that interest us.

I did, however, receive some interesting feedback from that little editorial, and I'd like to share a bit of it with you.

Rod H. wrote:
"[Your editorial just] about sums up most of my friends and most people I know. Everyone is busy getting their goals set and tasks done, but I wonder if the flip side could be just as -- or even more -- rewarding?

"I don't know if I actually fit on the flip side, for I try to pack-in school (a.k.a. work), school (a.k.a. college), writing the Good News, and the family. I just got the feeling, while reading the piece, that "no, that ain't me". Probably the sentence that I most felt compelled against was "No, it wouldn't be nice." referring to staying up late to play games.

"My thought is - sure it would, relax! I think I have had that one ingrained in me since I was a little boy. My dad would always come home from work and spend a good hour in the lazyboy reading the paper or taking a nap. It is not that he didn't do the usual yard and garage work, but he always had time for relaxing and playing. Most of my childhood memories of evenings when dad got home revolved around him playing with us kids, reading the paper, and watching primetime shows as a family."

Rod goes on to point out the very healthy side-effects of relaxation and play, as well as the need to balance our lives. He then brought up the fact that Jesus told us we need to relax, trust in the Lord, and not spend our time worrying.

I agree with all that Rod wrote -- and my intention was not to say otherwise. We need time to relax and play, especially with our family and friends. But we also need to realize that everything we do has an effect. When Rod's father read the newspaper after work, it probably helped him unwind so that he could better focus on his family. It kept him up to date on events in the world. And it sent a very clear, lasting message to his son about values and how to spend one's time.

Our lives must have purpose. At the very least, we should live them in such a way as to honor Christ, whether we are working, playing, or simply relaxing. No act is done in a vacuum. The things we do make a difference somehow, if only to tell others about our beliefs and values.

So let's live our lives purposefully. Let's work, play, dream, plan, relax, talk, share, and love, knowing that we matter -- and that the things we do make a difference. And let's do it all in the name of the one whose sacrifice made ALL the difference to every single one of us -- Jesus Christ.

Peace,
~Brandon

Sound off! Tell me what you think!
bjubar@ParishWebmaster.com

Copyright 2002 by Brandon Jubar
This article has been provided by ParishWebmaster.com