Meditations
The Art of Invitation
November 11, 2024
An Assembling God’s Puzzle video
By Fr. Garry Richmeier, C.PP.S.
Using threats, shame and guilt to gain another’s cooperation is expedient but ineffective over the long-run. On the other hand, inviting someone to join us in a common work or goal, respects the other, is more constructive and more often results in substantive and long-lasting change.
Take a Risk or Play it Safe? A Conundrum
October 5, 2024
By Fr. Garry Richmeier
If we are alive, we will experience hurt, pain, and suffering. Hurt is a very powerful piece of the puzzle of our lives, and if given the chance, it can rule our lives. So, it is crucial to figure out how to deal with hurt effectively so we avoid being controlled by it.
Change: It’s worth the effort
August 5, 2024
By Fr. Garry Richmeier
Sometimes change is as simple as pushing a button or asking someone to do something different, and first order change works. But it is good to recognize when more is needed, and step up to the challenge of second order change. It is harder, but is usually worth the work.
Argue, Debate, or Be Constructive?
July 12, 2024
An Assembling God’s Puzzle video
By Fr. Garry Richmeier
It seems to be part of our DNA to sort everything in life into two categories — right or wrong, good or bad. Of course, we are always on the “right” side and to demonstrate our “rightness” we demonize the other side and problems ensue. How can we break the cycle?
How to Catch a Monkey or Learning to Let Go
June 24, 2024
By Fr. Garry Richmeier
It’s human nature to hang on to things and resist letting them go. But by holding onto things that aren’t really important or necessary, we often imprison ourselves. We get caught like a monkey in trap.
Imagination: The Two-Edged Tool in the Human Toolbox
June 5, 2024
By Fr. Garry Richmeier
Imagination can be a powerful, creative force that we can use to solve problems, create things that make our lives better, and build community and relationships. But it is a two-edged sword. Watch the Video.
Fighting Evil vs. Doing Good
May 21, 2024
By Fr. Garry Richmeier
Fighting evil sounds noble and feels right. That makes sense, but it can causes problems if that is all we do. Instead of putting all our effort into fighting evil, we could put more effort into doing good. The difference is a subtle but important distinction.
Loss and Grief
April 30, 2024
An Assembling God’s Puzzle video
By Fr. Garry Richmeier
I like to compare grieving to composting. A person piles up stuff that is useless for growing things, like leaves and table scraps, “works” them, and eventually they turn into rich soil from which new life can sprout. Grieving follows a similar process.
Dealing with Authority
April 4, 2024
By Fr. Garry Richmeier
Each of us have a “default setting” when it comes to dealing with authority, whether it is the legal system, our church, our boss or our parents. Better understanding our “default setting” helps us adjust our response to authority for better outcomes.
Catastrophizing: When the worst scenario is the only scenario
March 21, 2024
By Fr. Garry Richmeier
When we allow worry to overtake us and an the only future we can imagine for ourselves is the worst case scenario, we’ve fallen into the trap known as “catastrophizing.” Catastrophizing comes with a high price for our mental and physical health.