Journeying together
Some may know that the magazine world is rather different from the newspaper world, and one main difference is the lead time required for publication. When the One Voice was a newspaper, my deadline was always Wednesdays at noon for that Friday’s edition. As a magazine, however, that two-day lead time has morphed into two months. As can be imagined, the change has its advantages and disadvantages.
Some may know that the magazine world is rather different from the newspaper world, and one main difference is the lead time required for publication. When the One Voice was a newspaper, my deadline was always Wednesdays at noon for that Friday’s edition. As a magazine, however, that two-day lead time has morphed into two months. As can be imagined, the change has its advantages and disadvantages.
I mention the deadline because as I write this article it has been exactly four weeks since my family and I laid my husband to rest. While he was in the midst of the dying process, I did my best to work on this issue at his bedside. Focusing has never been my strong suit, so, needless to say, I struggled to direct my attention on him, my kids, and my work.
I have much to share about those few short weeks, but I will hold onto that for an issue I am planning next year, highlighting Divine Mercy. What I will share, though, is a revelation I had the day before he passed away; far too late, but a blessing nonetheless.
He had gotten to the point where communication was quite difficult, and, without going into too much detail, he was in need of assistance to prevent choking. I was up and down seemingly every five minutes, working with my computer on my lap, then having to situate the cords, carefully place the computer on the chair, and hurry to the other side of his hospital bed. After over a dozen times, I thought to myself, “What am I doing?”
Admittedly, I have, far too many times, put work high on my priority list at the detriment of those around me, but, at that moment, I quickly closed my computer and decided to just sit there in silence, holding his hand and being quick to help when needed. I know some — if I am being honest, probably many — may read this and think I should never have even had that computer there, and I do believe that is why I wanted to share this story.
If most instinctively feel I should have only focused on my husband, helping him to truly know that he was loved as he prepared his soul to meet our Heavenly Father face to face, then why should we not feel the same for those just beginning that journey?
Even when it proves challenging or inconvenient, we need to care enough for our youth and young adults to communicate God’s love for them. The subject of this issue’s cover story, Grant Wyatt, is the current high school youth minister at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Homewood. He has molded his entire ministry around helping the youth know in their hearts that the Lord loves them. To do that, though, he must first convince the youth that he cares. Wyatt explains how fundamental discipleship is, helping our youth blaze their path to Heaven.
Discipleship is also brought to the forefront in this issue’s feature. SEARCH, a retreat program for college students in the diocese, recently marked a half century of ministry. The success of the program is grounded in its peer-to-peer style of evangelization. The students help each other realize a relationship with the Lord is not only possible but life-changing.
Lately, these columns have become a so-called “broken record” of declarations that Heaven is our ultimate home, but for those at the early stages of their journey or those who need help to complete it, we all deserve to know the love our Lord has for each and every one of us. He wants us to be with Him, basking in the light of His face. Let us all help one another reach our destination!