Love of My Life

Sep 3

We are a few weeks into the new school year, and I always find this season rejuvenating. Last week, someone stopped me after Mass and asked, “What are young people like nowadays?” I answered with a story.

At the start of each semester, my sophomores in Leadership in the Salesian Tradition introduce themselves to their classmates for five minutes. Over the years, I’ve learned football stats, quirky talents, and all sorts of unexpected details.

This year, one student struck me deeply. He began, “I am a middle child with two older brothers, a younger brother and sister, and a baby sister. My baby sister has Down syndrome. When I tell people about my sister, they sometimes don’t know what to say. But I can tell you this: she is the love of my life. Maybe that sounds strange to say about your sister, but it’s true, and she teaches me how to love.”

“The love of my life.” I’ve carried his words for weeks. I use it when I need to remember my vows to religious life. Our vows begin with, “For love of God…” (The love of my life. Teach me to love.)

More than that, though, I repeat it in those moments with others when my patience is waning, my annoyance is increasing, or my discomfort is pressing. I imagine God whispering about the person next to me: “This is the love of my life.” It’s in those moments where I learn to love.

So, what do I say about the youth of today? Simple: they teach me how to love.

May God be Praised!