Blessed with Regrets

I like to listen to people. Almost as much as I like talking. I like meeting new people and listening to their stories of all the adventures they've ever had. I like to hear what they think is important. I like to think about how they tell a story, not just what they say. I like to dwell on what they don't say. And then I like to pray for them. And yet, as poignant as their joy is, the thing that stays with me longer than their faces, are their regrets.

When I was younger than I am now, and far more naive, I wanted to make it my life's goal to live my life without regrets. For the most part I have for which I am eternally grateful. My latest goal is to not be bogged down by the things I regret like the people who tell me their stories. Now I know I won't make it through life unscathed by my regrets but now I want to live for my hopes and remember that I am so very blessed.

Funniest questions I've been asked...

I tend to get asked some pretty funny questions- "Are those all your kids?" "Do you know where babies come from?" "Why do you have to make everything so complicated?" These are some of my favorite questions that I've been asked...

...On a first date:

• So you're like a REAL Catholic?
• Are you allowed to have an opinion on the Pope?
• You look Irish- are you sure you aren't Irish?
• Why did you move to Texas?
• Things are different in California- do you know how different they are?
• Are you sure you're from California?

...On a  job interview:

• What do you think it will be like working in the secular world after working in a Church?
• What is a cronut?
• How tall is Barack Obama?
• What is the story of your faith journey?
• Why did you choose Ave Maria? 
• Who is the first President of the US and what is he known for?
• What it's like working at a Church?

...In a grocery store:

• Are you on some kind of special diet where you can only eat apples?
• When are we going to go to City Hall and get married?
• Do you understand Spanish?
• I don't think you realize how much fish you are getting- are you sure you want ten pounds?
• Are you related to the Kinney's?
• It looks like you're going to have a party of apples?

...While swing dancing:

• So what is wrong with the male population that you aren't married?
• How can you say there's a god when people get their behaviors based upon genetics?
• Will you keep on dancing with me because you make me look good?
• Do you think that a seminary helped to form your Father in a psychological background?