Final Post, 2010

This year was as challenging a year as I've had in all my 61 years.  The highs reached to heaven; the lows just don't seem so low with God on your side.  There were plenty of highs, but I will only mention the top four:

• Lyla Marie Kraay
• Marie's First Communion
• The Hamsa
• Bicycling

Ash Wednesday fell on February 17th this year.  Marie and I attended Mass, and from that day forward, I attended daily Mass through the remainder of the year, and I will continue that practice in 2011 and beyond.  That daily practice has changed me irreversibly for the rest of my life, and I am convinced it has changed me in a positive way.  I only wish it happened sooner, but I remain thankful for the way it is.

Five months later, due in no small part to the influence of Father Greg Wiest, Marie made her First Communion.  I cannot express how special it is when a mature person is moved by God and makes a choice to give her soul to him.  Clearly, Marie made a choice because she wanted to, not because she had to!

I could list hundreds of positive things that happened, but I won't.  I will keep them to myself and hope that you have those things to recall in 2010 as well.  After all, each of us has the choice to remember 2010 through the good things that happened to us or through the not so good.  That is our choice.  I'll remember the good, and leave my 2010 posts with a final, if not rather inconsequential thought ...

In January 2010, I told myself I would ride my bike 2,600 miles, which I believe approximates the distance from New York City to Los Angeles.  After my final 2010 ride this morning, I end the year with 2,725.22 miles on my bike and 22.34 miles in my pool.  In the words of James Brown, "I feel good."

Christmas Eve

"On Christmas Eve many years ago, I lay quietly in my bed.  I did not rustle the sheets.  I breathed slowly and silently.  I was listening for a sound I was afraid I'd never hear.  The ringing bells of Santa's sleigh."

The Polar Express

Chooser

"You're not born a winner or a loser .... You're born a chooser."

Adrian Branch on ESPN U

Long Riders

In 1925, Frank Heath, a cavalryman in the First World War traded his horse for a 10-year old mare named Gypsy Queen and then announced that he would ride through all 48 states.  In 1927, more than 11,000 miles later, Frank and Gypsy Queen rode into Washington D.C. after touching all 48 states in the Union.  Though certainly not as bold and prodigious as Frank, I set a goal for myself on January 1, 2010 that I would ride 2,600 miles on my bike this year, roughly the distance from New York to Los Angeles. As I finished my ride this morning, I turned 2,609.17 miles, which leads be to think I'll cap 2,700 on the year, maybe a bit more.  I'm already thinking I can clear 3,000 in 2011.

Like the archangels ...

I am your father, and like the archangels in heaven -- with Raphael, Michael, Gabriel and the others -- I have prayed in your name.

Tithing

In simple terms, tithing means giving one tenth of your income.  Typically, we think if tithing in terms of giving to the church.  I made a commitment to God that I would tithe on every cent I make on my books, and in tithing, I will give my tenth to a charitable cause.  It could be the church, it could be something else.  Last month, your Mom and I donated to the Gospel Rescue Mission here in Tucson.  We received a letter of thanks this afternoon that contained these words:

"I spent time at the Tucson shelter in July 2010.  I had become homeless and was waiting on a bus ticket from my sister.  I want to thank you and the staff there for offering me food and shelter.  I would have been on the streets if it were not for you.  You shared with me the love of Christ.  Maybe, God willing, I will be able to return your kindness some day.  Thanks to you and all the staff there.  May God continue to bless the outreach of His love."

I share this with you only so that you will be conscious of those less fortunate than you.  If you have the means to help, do.