tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18832679.post4204282836846496171..comments2023-08-22T12:09:10.630-04:00Comments on Father Jim Chern's Blog: NOTHING LIKE BEING LAST MINUTE!Fr. Jim Chernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07211636375549574884noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18832679.post-52718206456573692022011-11-07T11:26:59.233-05:002011-11-07T11:26:59.233-05:00I am Allie, Fr. Jim wrote about. What did I gain ...I am Allie, Fr. Jim wrote about. What did I gain from that fateful day? I made a friend for life – Fr. Jim. What else did I learn? Well, it has taken years to learn what my main priorities are, and I am still learning. Call me a work in progress. Oh, I still call Fr. Jim every September and sing September Mourn. <br /> <br />Boy, do I remember that exam day like it was yesterday. There I was, running into the library not prepared at all. I must admit that the theater program had the students put in 10 or more hours in addition to the required 6 hours if you were not in the show, which gave me little time to study. I believe they changed those hours since I graduated. Regardless, it was still my responsibility to make the time. A five-minute crash course was not going to cut it. <br /><br />I still remember the look on Fr. Jim’s face, “Is she for real? Is this a Joke?” Yup, for real, and no joke. <br /><br />Fr. Jim talked about grades. I wasn’t even on the D list in this philosophy class. If there were a grade lower than an F, I was the first on that list. Needless to say, I dropped the class, and got my ‘act’ together. I had a second opportunity to take the class again. This time I took another philosophy class called Work, and we discussed stewardship. The entire class branded me the ‘workaholic.’ Well, after the first dismal attempt at philosophy I had to redeem myself and get my priorities straight.<br /><br />What totally comes to mind reading Fr. Jim’s homily is this song, “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” from one of my all time favorite musicals, Godspell. Two weeks ago, I had a heart attack, and the doctors said I should not be alive, and they were in awe that I was still here. I had a double bypass surgery. I am still processing this, but I do know when I was ‘dying’ I said to God, I am not yet ready. I am not yet prepared to meet HIM. Why? I am on the D list with Christ. I am, and I admit it. Have I taken that time to prepare for Christ? No. As with the hours at the theater in college, I let other things get in the way most recently.<br /> <br /> As with the philosophy class, I have a second chance to get on the A list with Christ. I need to Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord, by doing His Will. God and I have a unique relationship, and He is MY ROCK! And the next time God comes knocking on my door, I will be prepared. <br /><br />I am truly blessed that I have Fr. Jim in my life because he not only is a true friend in every sense of the word, he also provides guidance and is a catalyst to the ‘Way. <br /><br /><br />Hey, Fr. Jim, I think this song is most appropriate - "Turn on your heartlight / Let it shine wherever you go / Let it make a happy glow / For all the world to see /" - Neil Diamondammbfohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00280876270282153338noreply@blogger.com