Standing on Holy Ground
Father Zach Weber is the College Chaplain at Oshkosh Newman Center.
I am a college chaplain, and the days can be long compared to most parishes. I decided to do Reform so I could be more present to God and to others as I minister to them. Reform taught me that I stand on Holy Ground, as does everyone else. As St. Paul says,
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?” (1 Cor 6:19-20)
The major obstacles I faced during Reform were setting boundaries to go to bed on time and get up on time. But overall, the course on sleep really helped me a lot—having a wind down routine, dimming the lights earlier, having more fun, pausing more throughout the day, and having a better understanding of my body's needs for vitamin intake have all improved my rest.
I continue to gain a deeper awareness of my health “deposits and withdrawals.” The knowledge of mind, body, and soul has helped me live a more integrated life with greater freedom and less negative self-talk. While I need to make better choices where I eat when I’m on the road, overall my energy levels are up and I need naps much less than I did.
As I did Reform, I found myself being more receptive and less reactive. Reform meetings and communal prayer helped me see how hard people are trying to be holy and whole. I’m not sure if self-confidence has a lot to do with being humbled, but I often found myself with tears in my eyes to be a part of Reform. The parents with children at home as well as empty-nesters who are giving faith a second try after their children did Reform inspired me and made me want to put in more effort.
