Growing up an athlete all my life, I've always known the idea of "Second Wind" from personal experience.
In high school, in order to play basketball and baseball, I had to trek nearly 7 miles after practice and games by foot to get home.
That would be in the cold, the rain, snow and heat.
Sometimes it might be late at night and where my Mom's farm was located, it was in the boondocks.
There were no light posts out past the main highway leaving town. Many a time I out run wild dogs, been chased by bears, snakes, and even skunks.
I did this for three years of my high school years. I suppose you can say these years were character builders. I look back today and I am thankful for the experience.
It would help me many times throughout my life. I've had my "Second Wind" many times on a battlefield, explosions with the sounds and cries for "Medic".
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to us to help us in our walk through life. We do not shoot our wounded that many times need that "Second Wind".
I've had my "Second Wind" regarding my holy Catholic Faith as there were times I was hanging on by a scarlet thread.
Only His grace sustained me. Now that I am retired from the Army after 26 years, I am thankful for the past few months preparing me for the next stanza of my life.
I am so thankful to God for his love for me and for his Mother, who is also my Mother. Many times in war when a person is wounded seriously, they will cry out to their Mothers. There is something comforting with knowing your Mother is near.
I love the idea that holding the rosary in your hand is like holding the hand of our Mother Mary. For some of us who have fallen away from the Faith at one time or another, it is a great feeling knowing that the Lord's mercy and forgiveness is real.
From that perspective, I know what that "Second Wind" is. This is really the good news of Jesus Christ. This is the power of the Holy Spirit who has been given to us to strengthen us, motivate us, and give us that "Second Wind" when life seems to weigh you down.
The Catholic Church as an institution even though it is nearly 2,000 years old, kingdoms have come and gone, yet the Church remains.
This past Easter Vigil means so much to me because of the youthful vitality that is the Church. The many conversions from all walks of life continues to give the Church that breath of fresh air.
That "Second Wind" that is so important. Please pray for Pope Benendict as he has much on his shoulders and needs that "Second Wind" to be that leader Christ has called him to be. He has enemies on the outside of the Church, and he has enemies on the inside as they try to wear him down.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to us to help us in our walk through life. We do not shoot our wounded that many times need that "Second Wind".
We are quickly moving towards Pentecost, as we reflect what the Lord has done, let us be encouraged that the Battle Belongs To The Lord! We are not alone and left as orphans. No matter how difficult it can get.
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