Here is a poem drafted from advice given to me by experienced, wise Franciscans as I set out to start my ministry at this high school three years ago. I am so grateful that they warned me and gave me good blessings when it began …
If you think
you can do
this without
making a mess
you are kidding
yourself and
expecting too
much.
Ministry
must be
messy.
Service
can’t
just be
sweet.
Work
must be
laborious.
Be consistently
firm, fair and kind.
Let Love
be your purpose.
Your yes means
more when
you can say
No.
Be
Loving
Presence.
Good! But I would prefer less mess!