I've Been to the Mountaintop!

   This post is late, but late is better than never? It's already Thursday of the second week of Lent and I'm just writing last week's entry!
   I spent all last week planning to write about something dealing with the connectedness of sports and life because it was my annual state basketball trip to Lincoln- a weekend I look forward to all year. But, after listening to the Gospel reading during Mass this past Sunday, and the homily that followed, I felt compelled to write about being 'transfigured' or transformed. I suppose my annual basketball trip is transformative in it's own right.
   Jesus went to the top of a mountain with a few of his closest friends and had a transformative experience. It was at this time that God made known who Jesus was and Jesus owned his mission; both existed before this moment, but this event enhanced awareness. It's easy for myself, and probably others, to get wrapped up in day-to-day happenings that we forget who we are we and where we are going. It's those 'mountain-top' moments that give us that awareness.
   Jesus literally went up a mountain, but I do not think it always happens that way. Could the news that someone close to you has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness be transformative? How about the loss of a significant relationship? Is sitting in the stillness of the evening or early morning watching the sunset or sunrise transfiguring? What about experiencing loss or defeat at something you have spent a lot of time and effort working towards? Transformation can happen anywhere you are willing to see it and appreciate it.
    Good and bad will inevitably find you, and instead of asking yourself why me, I think the question should be, how do I respond? Do I celebrate and gloat about my accomplishments, or do I give the glory to God. Do I complain about misfortunes and wallow in despair, or do I learn from mistakes and carry on? The events are what they are, but my response is the only thing I can control. Attitude is a key ingredient to learning, growing, and transforming.
   Have I been 'transfigured'? Yes, and it's ongoing. I have come to appreciate the gifts and talents I possess as an individual, which are different from everyone else. I appreciate the time I get to spend with friends and family because I know that it's guaranteed to no one. I know that some days will be good and some will be bad, but neither is forever. I know that growth and change won't always be comfortable, but will be rewarding.
    How have you been and are you being transformed?