A Good Day
I wrote a book for kids about living hērōically. It begins by defining two kinds of heroes. The classic HERO and the modern hērō. The classic HERO battles dragons and bad guys. The modern hērō battles real-life struggles. My hope was to teach kids to USE the classic HERO as an inspiration but choose to BE a modern hērō as an aspiration. I also try to help students recognize that we each have a choice. We can choose to react mindlessly to life’s struggles, or we can choose to respond wisely as transformed heroes, each on our own unique journey. It is a lofty goal to convey this message, but I see this as a worthy pursuit. To share some actionable tools and practices. To give hope that each of us CAN become a better version of ourselves. Every day. That we CAN serve others hērōically along the way. That we CAN change ourselves and our world in a meaningful, lasting way.
One of my hērōes is David Steindl-Rast. I believe we need people in our lives who have seen the worst and the best life has to offer, yet still live with serenity, courage, and wisdom that accompanies their faith, hope, and love. Brother David is one such man. I have read and listened to his message, A Good Day, dozens of times. And I have borrowed several lines from this message for my daily prayer time. One particular passage that resonates deeply is “...if you learn to respond as if it were the first day of your life, and the very last day, then you will have spent this day very well.” One thing I love about this passage is the hope and peace it inspires, that we may greet it and its opportunities with openness while we remember to cherish it and recognize the many opportunities for gratefulness. What a beautiful way to respond to life.
As I think about how to respond to life, I’m reminded of Thomas Keating’s teaching on meditation and its healing benefits to the mind and spirit. He calls it Divine Therapy. To pray is to recognize we need something that is beyond ourselves. Something divine. Meditation and prayer allow us to begin the healing process of so many mental and spiritual injuries. With time and practice, we become better equipped to interact with life, God, others, and our world in a healthier way. Spending our days well. Responding in our moments more hērōically. Every day.
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