I was blessed to have spent a few days last week on the shore of beautiful Lake Michigan in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. On one of those days I went for a walk along the shore. As I looked off into the distance I saw that the shoreline seemed to jut out a bit. I thought to myself, “when I reach that point, I’ll turn around.” I walked, and I walked, and the point I had my eyes on did not get any closer. After about 30 minutes of nonstop walking I realized my folly. Eventually, I saw off in the far distance a large flock of seagulls on the sand. I changed my turn around point to the flock of seagulls. As I got closer, I walked very slowly, so as not to scare them. With every little step I took, the seagulls took a little step away from me. It really was quite comical! After a few minutes, I realized that even the seagulls were beyond my reach. When I turned around to head back I could no longer see the point from where I started. Although I never reached my goal I had traveled a long distance.

Oftentimes in the spiritual life we may set out goals for ourselves: stop gossiping, be less negative, be less controlled by our anger, etc. But we never seem to get to that point where we stop doing those things completely. As much as we try, we may find ourselves frustrated with the notion that sainthood (the goal of every Christian) is just too far beyond our reach. The thing is though, if we look back to where we started, we may be surprised by the distance we have come. We may be imperfect, but hopefully some growth is evident. We may still be gossiping, but maybe we do it less frequently, as we challenge ourselves to always find the good in everyone.

In this Sunday’s gospel Jesus appoints the twelve disciples to be his apostles. Time and time again we see in the gospels that they were far from perfect, but Jesus chose them nonetheless. What Jesus saw in the disciples, and looks for in us, is not perfection, but perseverance for the journey. We read in the gospel of Mark, “He instructed them to take nothing for the journey, but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.” Only one thing is necessary for Jesus; keeping our eyes on him as he leads us on the way. Perseverance, and not perfection is what will get us there. Except, for Mary, the Mother of God, none of the saints were perfect. But they all persevered on the journey that Jesus led them through.

Yes, it’s frustrating when even with our best efforts we fall short of where we think we should be, or the journey never seems to end. When that happens, it’s important to realize though, that Jesus walks with us still. He never gives up on us, just like he never gave up on the disciples. And thankfully, with Jesus, we eventually will get to where we’re going. Unlike the seagulls, God never takes a step away from us as we make our approach.

Ackermann Playlot Playdates 

Come check in with your friends this summer.  There will be an informal meet up for families on the playlot on July 13 and August 13 at 10am. Bring a cup of coffee and a juice box to catch up with friends.

Save the Dates

• August 19- ice cream social 3pm

• August 20- first day of school (grades 1-8)

• August 26- first day of school (ECE-K)

Come Join Us!

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