Yesterday.

We can learn a lot of things each day, if we just pay attention to it. I was reflecting last night on yesterday and what I learned or had come across that was new. When I was at my old job with my classroom of students, I would often ask them, "what did you learn today?" I would usually encounter a pregnant pause, and a lot of umms, and I don't knows. I would make it known to them, these growing brains that knowledge and learning is important. I think they could tell that I had a variety of interests and enjoyed learning and sharing my knowledge with them!

So, I asked myself the same question, and pondered it myself. Well, I learned more about Indian culture/weddings, about an older man's life and personality, about Gertrude Bell, and about how the devil loves confusion and for us to solely focus on evil. This was what I came up with, though I'm sure there's more. :)

Let's start with the devil, who is the root of all evil and loves God's dear children to be confused by it, immersed in it and think of it as good, and normal instead of how it's supposed to be viewed. I was listening to Catholic Radio on the way home from morning Mass yesterday, and I know I will always hear one of my favorite speakers on there- Fr. Matthew Spencer. He's great, I love hearing his voice, he's peaceful, funny, humble, down to earth, inspiring, engaging and enriching! All such good things, and feel blessed to encounter him while driving when I can.

Anyways, I was listening to him and he was talking about the horrific attack in Las Vegas that left 59 dead, and 500 or so wounded. I already heard about this devastating and severely sad event that took place at a country concert. But Fr. Matthew had words that impacted me, as he so often does, and a message that brought hope to my perspective. He said, the devil loves confusion, and the focus of evil. When we put so much focus on this very tragic event, and especially on the murder, we detach our view of the good that has been happening after this sad story as well as the hope. People have been donating blood to the wounded victims, people have been closer together and united together for the ones they have lost. In essence, Fr. Matthew summarized that God allows evil only in order to bring a greater good from it.

Yesterday, I volunteered at my local senior center soup kitchen serving seniors their lunches. I was listening to a college age girl tell a story of a recent Indian wedding she attended. She was explaining how it is normal for Indians to be late to celebrations and events. Even up to an hour and a half late is normal, and expected and that's probably the minimum. I was interested in this, since I know that I am often late to things, and being early/on time is actually quite difficult. This volunteer mentioned other things and anecdotes regarding the wedding.

As my volunteer shift was about to end, and cleaning up was still in the process, I got into conversation with one of the older men who regularly eats there. I've seen him plenty of times before never talked with him, and when I have served him he would raise his hand like he was asking a question in order to get my attention for me to fill up his coffee cup. I had an idea about him, possibly an old grump who was particular like most elderly, and looked down at you with his spectacles. But, as I had come to talk with him, I learned that I was wrong and he did have a fun and quirky personality. And we had in common that we both live in the same city and just a few years ago had volunteered at this place as well. He knew everything about cleaning up and even assisted me and showing me what he knew. He told me about his past career, as a scientist/chemist, and that he's lived in the same house for 50 years! He goes by his middle name, and too home extra soup home that was served since he doesn't cook at home.

And lastly, Gertrude Bell. Many will probably not know who she was or what she was known for. If you have heard of Lawrence of Arabia then she is not too far behind him in acknowledgement and influence. Gertrude Bell was a British woman by appearance but an Arab by heart. She had a strong interest in the Middle East and learned Persian and Arabic, and enjoyed learning Persian poetry. She helped create the Iraq nation-state and is known as The Queen of the Desert. The book I am currently reading about her reveals all these things, and displays an interesting and detailed portrait of this influential and inspiring woman.

These were the main things that came to me yesterday, and I think it's important to keep up this awareness of learning, and engaging content that can inspire and transform our minds!