GROUNDED AGAIN AND AGAIN

Gratitude continues to abound for the 2022-23 school year. If you attended the Back to School Night, you may remember that I was not a fan at first of this year’s theme Grounded in Gratitude. I mean, who likes to be grounded? Pushing past my initial reaction, I realized that we all become grounded at some point, whether it be a life-changing event like Ignatius’ cannonball moment, or perhaps an ordinary encounter with emotion after a particularly full day. Groundedness (not a word, says my spellcheck) invites us to be present to the right now, a deeper sense of focus on our experience. We are grounded when we receive Communion. We are grounded while on retreat as words of love overwhelm the hearts of the group. We are grounded when we witness our seniors walk across the stage at graduation. We are most grounded when we recognize sacramental moments—the infinite in the finite. Our groundedness comes from God, and each time we are grounded, God is present there with us. Groundedness creates a space to practice gratitude. We are fully aware of the blessings in our lives, but also grateful for the challenges that shape us. Gratitude’s impact on family and friends is evident at Regis Jesuit. Personally, I’m inspired to be around young people and adults who expressly appreciate one another’s presence. I am grateful for our community and the hope it enkindles. My prayer for our students and families for the summer and beyond is that we may get grounded, again and again, in gratitude. And may we welcome God continuing to meet us exactly where we are.