The Best Season of Your Life

 

For the first time in my life, I feel like I’m free. 

Free of worrying about what others think

Free to move about the cabin (Southwest)

Free to fall in love

Free to make mistakes and fail

Free to hoist up another trophy

Free to trust in the Good Lord

Free to fly! 

My life is a video game. A movie. God said: There’s so much I wanna show you. Pure cinema. 

What may seem dreadful, is about to blow your mind. It’s going to be the best experience. Regardless of the unpleasantness or lack of support. God works through you. Even 20 years later. Has there ever been a year where God didn’t show you justice? They will see why you’ve been chosen. Anointed. For His Glory. The deeper they look, the less they will see you. They will see more of Him. His work, love and mercy. 

“I looked at my deepest wound and was dazzled by Your glory.” -St. Augustine 

Imposter Syndrome? Nope. Merit!

Some people have inspired me to be nothing like them. Others, inspire me to replicate their virtue. Meanwhile the inspiration continues. The mission continues. The championships continue.

Dude, you’d never operated at this high level before. This is peak. You’re breaking records. This is the best season of your life. What you wished for is finally happening before your eyes. Just in time. At your prime. 

All of a sudden, there’s peace in the Middle East! At least that is what it feels like. There has been a seismic shift in the environment. Positivity is a new currency and antidote to fight the infectious disease of pessimism. 

Howdy, Year 20! One thing I am very proud about for the past 20 years, one of my biggest accomplishments, is that I never complained about anything or anyone. You know how difficult that is, especially in Education. It’s easy to road rage, but when you figure out what’s important and the root of the rage. You don’t road rage. I don’t road rage my way through my career, the wonderful world of Education, and I certainly don’t road rage my way through life. 

“Title for the devil - fermenter of discord.

Focus on these things, and we lose focus of Christ.”

You reap what you sow. 

“Rude people and are not confident, and confident people are not rude. I’ve never met a confident and secure person who is nasty to others for no reason.”

“The crow sits on the eagles back and bites its neck. The eagle does not fight back. It just flies at a high altitude until the crow falls off due to lack of oxygen. Like eagles, we must keep ascending.”

If you stop and acknowledge every barking dog, you’ll never get to your destination. This is what the great mentors and spiritual directors will advise. Every day we are faced with barking dogs. It’s usually the same people. The perpetual complainers that never seem happy. 

Rule number one to living out a healthy and fulfilling life is: don’t succumb to the rage bait. No road raging through life.

“If your mind isn’t clouded by unnecessary things, this is the best season of your life.” 

Walk in smoothly, clock in, then walk out, clock out. Laughing our butts off. You have to enjoy the day to day. You have to laugh at yourself. There’s days that you will be exhausted, but you have to look at the silver lining, and look forward to tomorrow, and still smile at the end of every shift. 

Life is lifing, alright. When life is not lifing, it’s what you do in those moments, that makes it worthwhile. 

If you look around there’s madness all over the world, but if you look really closely there’s beauty everywhere. Surround yourself with beauty. Beauty will save the world. 

Hang in there. Chilling with legs crossed (confidently, peacefully, faithfully, nonchalantly). Time will reveal the nonsense. THESE ARE THE TIMES WHEN SAINTS ARE MADE.

God sends those laughing memories as blessings. 

I’m a blessed man. Abundantly blessed! I could hit rock bottom and build back in no time. I could lose aura and regain an even larger surplus in a haste. Effortlessly! Nevertheless, blessed the circumstances that made you draw closer to God. A prayer you can do is “Lord, if this draws me closer to you, keep it going.” 

Somebody has been praying for me. God’s got me, no weapon formed against me shall prosper. It’s been proven not just for the last twenty years but for the last 40+ years. 

What a privilege to be able to experience what you prayed for. To be living what you dreamt about. 

I live my life to bring Glory to God.

However, I fail at most things in life, but I still get excited to grind. That’s the separation.

This is a calling. Nobody or nothing can’t stop the calling, the anointing. 

What if all the gaslighting, all the bad things happening, are actually leading me to the direction the Lord is taking me? What if God is really on my side? If it brings me closer to Him, the Almighty, then it’s all worth it. 

Inspiring people in a way no one else could. 

All those goons that were assembled were no match for the 24 inch pythons. Hulkamania forever. The great Kobe Bryant once said, “Something small to a giant.” 

Lord, have mercy, for they not know what they do. 

Heal from the road rage. Don’t envy others, there’s plenty of wealth to go around. It’s based on merit not equity. I didn’t make the rules. God sees the heart. My reward is in Heaven. There’s rankings based on merit, but primarily God’s grace. 

These are the best of times, these are the worst of times.

It is great to be Catholic, a Christian, during these times. It’s worth saying again in the year 2025: THESE ARE THE TIMES WHEN SAINTS ARE MADE. 

There’s an uprising, revival, happening. Christianity is back. Catholicism is back! As ancient and as beautiful as ever. It has lasted the test of time. Like a lion, that doesn’t need defending, it defends itself. When I say beauty will save the world. The Catholic Church, the Bride of Christ, will save the world. 

A little positivity, some electrolytes, and whole lotta Christ. 

God puts us in the dark, so that our light means something. I know I say this every year, but this is the best season of my life. 

Getting older is the best. 42, but “feeling 22!” Aging, if done right, is sweet and precious. 

Saint Carlo Acutis, pray for us.

Saint Pier Georgio Frassati, pray for us.

Saint Michael the Archangel, pray for us.

Saint Joseph, Most Chaste Spouse, Terror of Demons, pray for us. 

Our Lady Queen of Angels, pray for us. 

What’s a King To Do?

 What’s a King To Do?👑

A king walks around in disguise, nobody knows the difference. Dragons come along to devour the king. Nothing happened. The king just defends himself. The dragons are confused. A group of trolls are assembled to attack the king, but are unsuccessful. The king’s shirt did get dirty. Now he has to decide to either take his clothes to the cleaners or laundromat. Take out the trash on his own, or have someone do it for him? What’s a king to do?

The next day the king went back to slaying dragons. He is in his own timeline. Here comes the ridicule, the insults, the indirect backhanded comments, the gossip. Daily martyrdom. Nothing has changed. The king is still a king. The village still seeks the king. God still blesses the king in abundance. Here comes the plague, he doesn’t even brace himself anymore. There is no threat. The shield is not essential anymore. At the end of the day there is a feast. Feast day celebrations are his favorite. The fast and the feast. What’s a king to do? 

Every morning, he’s dancing and singing as he prepares for the day. Each night he ends with gratitude. Meanwhile, there’s unrest in the city. Blazing fires spread. The king prays and trusts in divine providence. Justice and peace. The king has arrived. There’s a large roar, but he is free. There’s loud noise, but freedom reigns louder. The king is detached from opinions and validation. The king does not concern himself with the opinions of others or the world because he occupies his time building his kingdom. He doesn’t argue, complain, or gossip. He knows he’s a king. From speaking up when necessary to saying nothing at all, a king is a king. What’s a king to do?

The water is poisoned. The toxic environment is detrimental to the public. The king soars through the air with the greatest of ease. He knows that anxiety is a response from discontentment. Emotional turbulence comes from not being healthy on the inside. Everyone’s behavior is just projection. Misery is the new pandemic. Joy is the antidote. The king knows that joy is a rebellion against the world. When the people are deprived from joy, peace and love, they treat others unkind. They gaslight. What’s a king to do? Self mastery is the precursor to self gift. Life of virtue is not about perfecting oneself, it is about letting the Holy Spirit make the necessary transformations. Hence, the king becomes a gift. Everything about the king is a gift. The job of a king is to give his life as a gift. It requires grit. The work of the king is gritty. This was his destiny all along. This not so royalty, treacherous path full of obstacles was his destiny? What’s a king to do?

The king still says to the Lord, “Here I am, send me.” In the middle of chaos, struggle, adversity, toxicity. The king enters because when he digs deeper, he’ll find God’s grace there. God is in the mess. The mess is a blessing. As dreadful as it is to enter. Entering a place filled with wolves, sharks, and witches. The king not only enters willingly, but runs straight through with excitement. God does not send this king unequipped or unprotected. God does not need a perfect king just a willing one. At the heart of every blessing, is Jesus Christ himself. His presence, His peace. There’s movement. The Spirit is moving over the waters, may the Spirit come move over us. Come rest on us! When the Spirit is moving, when God shows up, when the angels and saints unite, when he receives many graces, what’s a king to do?  

Through Christ, the one true King. 👑 

¡Viva Cristo Rey!

Spooktober 2024

 Spooktober 2024

Horror nights have become common. There is so much noise. Darkness has covered the skies. There are so many unruly people determined to cause havoc on peaceful villages. An army has been assembled to destroy everything in its path. There are no allies to assist in a never ending battle. All hope is lost.

This is where the story begins. This is where St. Michael the Archangel defends us in battle. All the guardian angels unite to intercede and protect the souls that they have been entrusted with. When all of a sudden the sun emerges extending its rays of mercy upon the people. Repented sinners walk the streets that was once plagued by aggressive looters that despised faith-driven-optimistic citizens. Like Mother Theresa once said, “Suffering means, that Jesus has come so close that He can kiss you.”

Embrace the darkness. Instead of being discouraged, know that you have Our Lady, crushing the head of the serpent. Fear no evil, for the Lord is with you. You have been selected, anointed, and equipped. Even in the darkness, your cup still overflows as written in Psalms 23. Look around you, everything is beautiful. 

As St. Augustine stated, “I looked at my deepest wound, oh Lord, and was dazzled by Your Glory.” It was You all along. You are so good. May I always remember Your goodness, and that everything in my mind, words, and deeds may be from You and for You. I’m running some marathon, it looks like I’m sprinting it. I will need to for a Boston qualifying time. I’m going the distance, through the pain, and against the grain. It all reminds me of her. In memory of her, I will give, give, and give some more, because she gave. My saint of a mother, pray for me. Ora por mí, madrecita. 

Your ancestors and loved ones are looking down cheering for you. Do another good deed; keep being a loving individual; don’t let the wickedness of this world deter you from the mission in Christ. Every time you say no to a temptation there is a  huge celebration in the Heavens. Every time you choose the high road, they begin to sing.  Things may be gloomy, but deep inside a pure and loving soul, there is a song within and it sounds like a peaceful melody. 

It’s dark. I love it. I never thought I would love this month so much. A month that is suppose to be frightening has become a month full of Heavenly signs ingrained in those not so comforting moments. Welcome to Spooktober, where darkness doesn’t last and we are still praising the Lord all night long. 

Thank You Great King! 

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. 

St. Michael the Archangel, pray for us.

St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us.

Our Lady Queen of Peace, pray for us. 

Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us.

Amen. 

My Aura Runneth Over

Aura levels are adding up like crazy!

Aura is a God given gift that you must in turn give to the world. Give, give, give, and when you are done giving, give some more. After all, if it is in fact the will of God, your aura will keep multiplying anyway. Be generous, but be wise. You have what it takes to discern properly. 

Just a small example of one weekend alone. 

Students are excited this school year. 

Family and friends are suspiciously noticing God’s work through me, if they haven’t already. 

The Sunday service was all God.

Parents send me appreciation messages. 

There’s a baby in the elevator smiling at me.

The lady at the ticket counter said thank you so much with such acknowledgment and gratitude. 

I’m seeing the smiles. The work. The movement of mountains. There’s this wave of positivity spreading and becoming a known lifestyle. When God and positive energy starts trending, changes happen. This is how we change the world for the better. This is how we shine light in the Valley of the Shadow of Death. We can do all things, through Christ who strengthens us. 

I feel like I’m pranking the world with my current hairstyle. It’s revolutionary. I’m just being my natural self and I’m loving the flow of things. Not everyone is going to love the vibes. Some may think, you’re doing too much. Believe me, you’re not. Trust in God, just like God trusts in you. You have to carry out the mission. Everything is temporary, so you have to ride this wave and enjoy that top view. People cannot deter a large wave. The movement is too strong that it will knock them down and drag them along. The frowns end up mimicking the millions of smiles. If you frown in front of smiling people, there’s very little reaction or change. If you smile in front of frowning people, you are more likely to cause them to replicate your behavior. 

There’s people to love, miles to run, and places to go. Oh the places you will see and the people you will meet. God sent them. 

There’s no gimmick, no publicity stunt. This is all God. This God given aura has always been there. People have noticed it since childhood. “You have anointed my head with oils, and set a table before me in the presence of my enemies, my cup keeps overflowing.” -Psalms 23

God is good, all the time; and all the time, God is good. Oh so very mindful and very demure of our loving God. 

This has been the same story. It is because of God, that my aura runneth over. 

A Villain on a Mission

I may be the villain in someone’s story. That used to be my biggest fear. I wanted to be the nice guy, a people pleaser, and solve everyone’s problems. I wanted to save the princess and the world. Now, I’m excited of having a different role. Yes, I’m a villain! Thankful for the opportunity. Thankful to be able to say, “No.” Otherwise, I will forever live under someone’s else’s demands. I am not a slave. I am a servant of God and “no” is the answer. I am a giver and serve God’s people, but with boundaries because takers don’t have any. I guess I am a villain.

“People pleasing ruins your life.

You abandon your needs. 

You lose respect from others.

And you never form real relationships.

The only thing you gain is a false sense of being liked.

But it's never enough. And it never fulfills you.”

I may have isolated myself from everyone in order to protect my peace. It’s better to be alone, than in bad company. It’s better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war. If it costs you your peace, it’s too expensive. Isolation is necessary and a great opportunity to turn off the noise. Sweet solitude, no drama. However, I am not afraid of the drama. I have been ostracized from the group. I have become the “black sheep” of the fam. Yes! Seems like martyrdom. These “little deaths” are sanctifying grace. I welcome them with open arms. 

“The greatest abundance comes from finding peace with nothing.”

Detach from the world. Let go of what no longer serves you. Do things out of love, and expect nothing in return. What can take you years to build, someone can destroy in a day, build anyway. Others can make false assumptions about you, show up every day anyway. You may not be praised or supported, be great anyway.

“The biggest life hack is not trying to hack your way through life.

The gold is in the deep work. 

The messy middle.

The dark night.

The unknown.

Let yourself get tangled up in something hard and watch who you become (and what you let go of) as you navigate your way through.”

Interesting enough, I asked for this. I asked for respect. I wanted to suffer. I prayed for the challenge. This will make me a better man. Refusing to be a doormat to be stepped on, fighting injustice, while still living your best life will get you temporarily disliked and mistreated. In the end, they will understand the lesson, and change their behavior. If they don’t, it’s still a win because I didn’t have to tolerate it. 

“Just because you CAN handle something doesn't mean you SHOULD handle it. Capacity ≠ Obligation.”

I am the villain, the protagonist, and an extra that shows up for one scene. Maybe for a cameo or better yet an Easter egg. Since I am practicing stoicism, I don’t need to be the center of attention. Although, I could have my own series. I am not a TickTocker or YouTuber. I am just a villain in someone else’s story. Show me your misery and I’ll show you your ministry. This is it! I am a villain on a mission. Peace is on the way. Love is on the way.

If you find yourself in a villain role:

“Don’t freeze or flee. Learn how to discern, because the one thing you want the most: LOVE, requires the one thing you fear the most: VULNERABILITY.”

Once again, a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue. That’s pretty heroic for a villain. “You don’t have the guts to be what you want to be…You need people like me, so you can point your finger and say, ‘That’s the bad guy’…Say goodnight to the bad guy.”  🦹 

-El chilito piquín