This past weekend I had the privilege of attending and representing the Gary Diocese at the National Association of Diaconate Directors meeting in Florida with Father Leo Gajardo.

Father Leo does an excellent work job working with Deacon candidates who are preparing to be ordained Deacons in the Diocese of Gary. 

My role is to work with Deacons post ordination in their continuing formation.

On Wednesday, we had a wonderful opening Mass presided by Bishop Gregory Parkes from the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The Bishop’s homily was uplifting and the music inspiring. It was an excellent start to the meeting. Everyone who attended seemed to be uplifted by this liturgical service.

As we walked back from the church to the hotel where the meeting was being held, some 100 men walked together laughing, conversing, and simply enjoying each other's presence. 

As I looked at a palm tree on the way to the hotel, I noticed a little gecko looking at me. His head moved as I walked by seemingly interested in me and where I was going. He even seemed to smile as I walked by.

I then thought, “how wonderful is our loving God?” He is present not only in beautiful Church experiences like moving Masses, not only present in those we meet, but also present in the small loving things He shares with us each day. Small things like a smiling gecko that can often go unnoticed. 

We are so blessed in the gifts God gives us!

The noun, rumination, means a deep considered thought about something.

-By Deacon Tom Gryzbek