Eternal Joy
My latest video will debut at our school Mass tomorrow morning. My vision for this video of my students stems from the following excerpt from The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis:
"If there lurks in most modern minds the notion that to desire our own good and earnestly to hope for the enjoyment of it is a bad thing, I submit that this notion... is no part of the Christian faith. Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling around with drink and [pleasure] and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at sea. We are far too easily pleased."
I am inspired every day by the faith, innocence, and unbridled joy of my students. Their pure hearts have yet to be blinded by our relentless culture which attempts to strip the gospel message of its magestic glory.
These fourth graders get it. They may not comprehend a "holiday at sea," but they have no problem understanding the offer of "infinite joy."
So as these economic times have us stressed out over dwindling 401(k)s, let's take a lesson from a few 9/10-year-olds. Wrapping our minds around this staggering offer is possible. And given its magnitude, why do we insist on making mud pies?
With this glimpse inside my world, may my 21 teachers inspire you as much as they do me. I dare you not to smile...
If the above player does not work, you can click here to watch the video.
"If there lurks in most modern minds the notion that to desire our own good and earnestly to hope for the enjoyment of it is a bad thing, I submit that this notion... is no part of the Christian faith. Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling around with drink and [pleasure] and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at sea. We are far too easily pleased."
I am inspired every day by the faith, innocence, and unbridled joy of my students. Their pure hearts have yet to be blinded by our relentless culture which attempts to strip the gospel message of its magestic glory.
These fourth graders get it. They may not comprehend a "holiday at sea," but they have no problem understanding the offer of "infinite joy."
So as these economic times have us stressed out over dwindling 401(k)s, let's take a lesson from a few 9/10-year-olds. Wrapping our minds around this staggering offer is possible. And given its magnitude, why do we insist on making mud pies?
With this glimpse inside my world, may my 21 teachers inspire you as much as they do me. I dare you not to smile...
If the above player does not work, you can click here to watch the video.
Absolutely phenomenal!!!!!!!!!!!!
You Rock!!!!!!!!!
Merry Christmas Mr. O'Connor and all the dear fourth grade students!!!!!!!
Love and Peace, Mrs. Prager
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Ryan,
I don't even know what to say...this is INCREDIBLE! What a blessing God has given you through these kids. I'm so thrilled that you are a vessel God has chosen to show the Truth to our children of today. I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas!!! I love you guys and miss you...p.s. didn't know if you knew I am getting married...May 23rd 2009
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How awesome! You made my day! Thank you for sharing this heartwarming video. This is what Christmas is all about. Love you guys.
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What a beautiful video - you are lucky to be able to hang out with these kiddos every day. Merry Christmas!!
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Ryan and Sarah,
This is so amazing. We laughed and cried. I even shared it at work! Better than any Christmas movie I've seen in a long time. Merry Christmas!
Meg and John
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Ryan,
I love the video!!! Thanks for sending it to me. It looks like you have an awesome group of kids. Cade (4th grade at MBVM) thought the video was cool. He answered the questions as he watched it. His answers were very similar. He thought he had better dance moves. I'm not so sure. Merry Christmas!
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ROC:
Awesome! I think these guys have seen your Michael Jackson "Thriller" moves!!
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I loved this video - what an amazing bunch of kids. I bet they loved helping you make it! Their joy is wonderful!
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