I had agreed to travel with Bishop John to San Antonia Texas and Las Vegas Navada to confirm 28 young adults. Sadly, I found the online Confirmation messages were pretty much boring.
In San Antonia, Bishop John wanted to show me the famous “river walk” in downtown San Antonia which seemed more like a tourist attraction. Instead, I convinced the bishop to uber me to Braunfels, Texas the location of Cypress Bend Park. To our surprise, the majestic cypress trees were a landscape photo dream. However, we had also stumbled upon a unique event being held at the park the “North America Tree Climbing Competition”
From all over the world, professional arborists have come to this unique cypress grove to display their passion, skills and appreciation for these amazing trees.
I wrote the following story for the bishop to share his thoughts to inspire our young people who came to receive their Confirmation in San Antonia and Las Vegas.
Confirmation is about receiving the grace and love for Jesus. We receive 7 gifts like “fear of the Lord.” However, this is not about being afraid of God but more about celebrating an appreciation for our gifts where we grow into a personal friendship with the Lord who sees us at our very best.
The event we had stumbled upon was the rescue competition. The arborist’s had to have “knowledge” of their equipment that included clamps, belts, ropes to save a victim who had an accident and was hanging in the tree limbs.
“Understanding” is about learning that you have the potential to make a difference in another person’s life because the love of God is in your heart to serve and help those in trouble.
“Wisdom” is the acquired knowledge how to make such a dangerous climb to help others. This wisdom is a gift the Lord gives to us when we are open to allowing the Lord to use our skills for good.
Counsel” as the competition began meant this arborist had 5 minutes to complete the rescue. The life of the accident victim was literally hanging in the balance. As the arborist made his ascent he shouted out his every movement and what he observed. This “counsel” recorded was all the wise choices he had to make during this rescue mission. Just like the Lord gives us the ability to know right from wrong. Confirmation is the invitation to accept the mission that the Lord gives to us to make this world a place where all people live in peace and love.
“Fortitude” is another gift of Confirmation, and I remember the arborist propelling and ascending hundreds of feet into the tree limbs to rescue the victim. To be a follower of Jesus requires the same courage when faced with difficult moments in life.
“Piety” is not about thinking you are special or better than other people, but understanding that God has blessed each of you with unique gifts. Your vocation in life is about doing something with your life in which you may save someone from falling out a tree, or from a serious disease, or from a broken heart.
As the arborist propelled himself down to the ground with the accident victim, his fellow arborists cheered his efforts that he had accomplished the rescue in less than the 5 minutes allotted. That’s what Our Lord will be doing for you when you are anointed on your forehead with the “holy oil.” Jesus is cheering you on today and everyday that your passion, your gifts and enthusiasm bring a smile to your best friend Jesus who is very pleased that you have chosen to be his buddy and best friend forever.
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that whether hanging from a tree or planted firmly on the ground, we offer our service to come to rescue folks in danger and bring them Your compassion, comfort and peace.