The Spark (07/15/2026)

Years ago, I took my whole family on vacation to Door County. At the time, that included my husband and I, my three grown children and their families which added up to 11 more. We were spread out between two summer homes and the main lodge. We usually gathered together for meals and to plan the day’s event at the home my husband and I were renting. And we had a myriad of events that we tackled while we were there, everything from shopping to fishing to arts and crafts.

The day we went to the creative center, my oldest grandson who was 13 at the time wasn’t too excited about a day at the creative center because he remembered it from past visits. He didn’t want to do ceramics or paint, and he knew he didn’t want to make jewelry. But when we arrived, I explained to him that I had a different art I had arranged for him to learn, welding. He spent the whole day with the master welder. At the end of the day, he had created the most magnificent piece, a knightly figure. He was so proud of it; we were proud of him and amazed at what he was able to do in one day.

That experience was the spark for my grandson. He was hooked. Today he is a master welder and fabricator. From a family vacation he found his vocation. He not only uses his skill to earn a living, he is using his craft to create the most magnificent pieces including special personalized gifts for family members and friends. From that summer spark, a young man found his path and his potential. I couldn’t be prouder of him and what he is doing with his life and gifts.

Frequently in our lives there is a spark that changes everything if we are open to it. It’s not a case of the stars aligning, rather it is a case of grace and providence. Usually, it involves one’s love for another and the openness on the part of the one loved. The last part is the operative part, the openness and the willingness to cooperate with what is given. In my grandson’s case, it was openness to the creative center experience and his willingness to cooperate with what the master was trying to show him.

Our world abounds with love. I see it every day. And I wonder what would happen if we were fully open to it and cooperated with it, if we weren’t rushed or pre-occupied or bored. What would happen if the opportunities that arise because of loving arrangements, gifts, or sacrifices were met with openness and cooperation?

Let us on the journeys of faith, hope and love open ourselves to the opportunities to arise in our lives, let us above all open ourselves to the working of the Spirit in our lives and to providence. Let us fan the sparks the Spirit lights.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.