BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP HOUSE

Hi, everybody, 

I like to compare what happens to you in a school environment (or any other) with building a house.

Ö      First, there’s the idea, “Hmmm, wouldn’t it be nice to have my own house!”

(“That school sounds like a great place to work! I think I’ll apply there!”)

Ö      Next, there’s the plan. “How do I want my house to function and look? ” Answer lots of detail questions in anticipation of the actual building.

(“How do I want to be received?” Make application, anticipate the interview, research all you can about the school, and choose your approach that will help to determine the reception you want.)

Ö      Choose supplies carefully. “Which materials are the absolute best to use in construction of my house?”

(“How can I do the very best job ever?” Be prepared to do your job. Always be on time. Treat everyone else like you want to be treated. Be a lifelong learner yourself. Be respectful.)

Ö      Start the build. “How can I have the strongest foundation?”

(“What can I do to be proactive in my relationships?” Be ready for that first meeting with each person in the school. Be confident. Come in with a positive attitude. Remember names. Smile!)

Ö      Daily upkeep is imperative. “Keep it clean. Watch for termites or carpenter bees. Keep the yard mowed. Paint regularly. What else needs to be done on a day to day basis to keep this house healthy? There’s always something to do to take care of a house.”

(“I’m not going to let a day go by without consciously building up myself and the people around me.” Communicate in a productive, timely, effective way. Take care of yourself, as well as caring for others. Look for random acts of kindness that you can do.)

Ö      Make repairs as they are needed. “I need a list of repair people!”

(Adjust your behavior when you discover that something is not working. Ask for help if you need it. You’ll know it’s time to make a change when you “feel the heat or see the light!”) 

ITALIAN RELATIONSHIPS: YOU’LL NEVER BE ITALIAN!

As I approached after church, Vera was talking with her Italian hands to her 3 equally ancient friends. Knowing how many times she had made good-natured fun of me, I stood behind her so that all the others could see. I copied her hand motions as best I could (after all, only an Italian can “talk” like THAT!). My head lobbed up and down and back and forth and all around, just like Vera’s. I tried my best to silently mimic her speedy mouth, pontificating about whatever her passion was that day.

As the others enjoyed the show, Vera realized that something was going on behind her back. Spinning like a 16 year-old, she caught me in the act and immediately quipped the perfect reprimand, something like, “Oh, Colleen, give it up! You’ll never be Italian!”

My son Nick was with me, and he immediately evaluated the situation as an opportunity to rerun one of the many times he has bantered with his Crazy Grandma (her name for herself!). “Hold up there! I don’t know you, but you don’t need to be dissin’ my mama like that!” Nick said to Vera.

Not a nanosecond passed before she was in the game, “Yeah, big fellow! And what are you going to do about it, huh?”

Nick backed up with a grin and started the boxing dance with his dukes up! “Ah, you don’t even want to see, little girl! Try me!”

In the end, no one was hurt, and a great time was had by all. We could have charged admittance for that impromptu scene and gotten rich, or at least called it a fundraiser for the Senior’s Program at the church!

YOU’RE THE BEST MOM!

I hope all of you had a lovely Mother’s Day. While asking people this past week, some answers were not as positive as others.

Twelve-year-old Sally was in trouble with her mom for having a very active part in a conflict at school and lying about it later. Mom immediately came to the school when the administrator called; and the last I heard, Sally had most of her fun toys taken away at home – no cell phone, tv in her room, or computer. Sally understands that her mom will do anything she needs to do to trust her daughter. However, when counseling for Sally and her family was discussed, Mom was firm that there was nothing wrong with her (Mom), and she didn’t see the need for outside people getting involved in their business. As you can imagine, this story has many more details than we can discuss here. Needless to say, Mother's Day was a bit strained at their house.

One adult showed me the picture of his elderly and infirm mother with whom he had a wonderful Mother’s Day visit finding her doing a little better and remembering good times. When I noted that she looked very much in charge, he responded with a smile, ‘“The Sergeant” will always be “The Sergeant,“ but we have always known she loves us.”

It is my belief that all mothers are the best mothers they can be, given their background of experiences, their medical conditions, their levels and types of training, and their current situations. Cherish your mother. You only have one.

Easter Birds

AT St. Catherine’s church, the Easter Sunday Sunrise Service is held under the huge oak tree just in front of the church, facing the sun that is rising behind the surrounding neighborhood trees. I’m quite positive that ALL of the birds in a wide area around the church gather to participate of the great celebration at that time each year.

Ushers are there well before dawn to set up chairs and welcome the worshippers. As people arrive, greetings are cheerful all around – lots of pleasant sounds for the birds to hear. By the time the service begins, the many birds in that great old oak tree are enthusiastic to join in the celebration!

Father Jim starts with gusto, “ Christ is risen!”

The birds and all of us respond in kind, “He is risen indeed!”

As the greetings, singings, prayings, readings, preachings celebratings and blessings progress through the service, those birds do what they do best! They tell us what we should already know – the sun (and Son) are about to rise with the promise of life everlasting!

Those wonderful sounding birds give me exactly the same messages as the rest of the service. It is as if they are following the bulletin, too. Their message reminds me that ALL of God’s creations are in relationship with one another. It is up to us to decide what that relationship will be. God loves us all. His risen Son showed us that!