Embrace it

Of course, this past season was not one of the better years for the Packers. The poor season led to the firing of their head coach Mike Sherman. During his time in Green Bay he would always write a weekly column for one of the local papers. I was very impressed with his last column, after he was released from his coaching duties. As I read it, I thought about our young people and the faith we profess. There was a very powerful message in his column and one that I believe can lead us into this Lenten season and this time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving as we focus more deeply on Christ’s Paschal Mystery. Following are some of Coach Sherman’s words.

"This season was a rough one. It was not an experience a player, coach or fan will want to revisit anytime soon. It was, however, revealing in many ways.

"It is through the more difficult times in our lives that we are revealed to those around us. Either we like what we see and embrace it, or we don’t like what we see and change it. Sometimes, we look away and do nothing, and that’s the worst response of all. How we respond to adversity and the difficulties we face is a healthy part of our lives. We should view them and respond to them as challenges, rather than obstacles or failures.

"Sometimes good things happen. Sometimes bad things happen -- and ironically, in the end, you realize the good wasn’t so good, and the bad wasn’t so bad. You often don’t have control over what happens. You do, however, have control over how you respond and your attitude as each challenge presents itself. You have control over how you handle your success, as well as your failures, and what you take from each. You have control over your willingness to adapt to life as it unfolds itself to you."

As I reflect on these words, they speak to me about daily life. They invite me to embrace more fully this Lenten season. They invite me to better live Paschal Mystery Spirituality daily. I know full well that a major part of my journey of faith continues to be dying to self, so I can rise to new life. They call me to enter into these 40 days of Lent with a new perspective. To face life’s challenges with a new attitude.

My invitation to you is to share these same thoughts with our young people. Walk this journey of Lent with them and help them move more deeply into Christ’s Paschal Mystery.

Coach Sherman went on to share how the Packers had responded to the challenges they faced this past season. I paraphrase his statement, and I invite you to take these thoughts and use them with the youth. As we continue to be a living presence in their lives we can help them face the challenges they encounter. "Choose accountability over blame. Choose honesty over failure to recognize the truth. Choose unity over division, and always choose to continue giving your best, even when your best may not be good enough. The theme always has been no matter what our circumstances in life, we are much alike. We laugh, we cry, we get mad, we get sad, we get bitter, we get better, we forgive, and we are forgiven. We love."