It was Thanksgiving break in 1978, my first year of teaching at Attica High School. My parish at the time was St. Boniface in Sharon. I remain thankful for how the people of that community and parish welcomed me then, and still do as I serve the diocese. The day before Thanksgiving I went to school and the weather was not good. Some ice, snow and a lot of fog. Thus, it wasn’t long before the principal came to me and told me to leave and start home to Kit Carson. He said that for the couple of hours school was going to be in session, they could handle my classes. Thus, I hit the road. But because of the weather it was a slow drive, 30 maybe, 35 miles per hour. However, on this day, this was not a bad thing. As I drove along, oh so slowly, I, for the first time was able to see a lot of things along the road that I would normally miss by driving faster. On this day, God was very good to me, because I was led to a time of being still, a time to truly see the infinite beauty in God’s creation. What a joyous day it was.

I share this story because I feel it can help lead each of us into a deeper time of preparation through this Advent season. Last weekend, I was conducting a confirmation retreat. One of the sponsors shared about how we live in such a fast- paced society. Of course no one could disagree with him.

When Bishop Gilmore became our bishop, he chose the motto "Be Still and Know". For some reason over these past several years, I have been drawn to this motto. I suppose it is due to the fact that I continually find myself caught up in this fast- paced society, not taking the time that I need to truly quiet myself, to be still, and listen to God speaking to me.

Fortunately I ran across a CD by David Kauffman. David is one of many national Catholic youth presenters we are fortunate to have. The CD is entitled "Be Still – A Retreat Series". What a beautiful set of music and reflections. Part of the title track says what I believe truly sums up my thoughts and can be a powerful reflection tool for this season of Advent: "Your mercy holds us, as we hear your call. We linger in your resting arms."

And so, as we move through this Advent season and this time of waiting, I invite you to look for the quiet. I ask too, that you take extra steps to help our young people slow down and find a time of quiet. Winter sports have begun, finals are quickly approaching, and this list could go on and on. What can we do to help our youth slow down and truly reflect on this time of year?

I must share one of the best examples I have ever heard. Dale Magnet, from the Catholic Community of Great Bend, once told me that he started one of his PSR classed by just making his kids be quiet and sit, with no noise for five minutes. When this was done they said that that was the first quiet they had experienced all day. They began asking for this quiet time in future classes. What a wonderful way to place our young people in a setting to hear God speaking to them.

As a faithful community, what can we do to help each other "Be Still"? May God continue to guide and bless you in all you do.