Is Don Bosco Mad?
The topic for our Good Morning talk this morning, which I really enjoyed. I believe it really showed the true spirit and life of Don Bosco. It was in Khmer, but luckily I had a wonderful translator and I also read a bit of it the day before in English helping to explain to the teacher giving the talk this morning.
But so back in the early days of Don Bosco's Oratory, he didn't have much, many of the other priests and people thought he just might be a little crazy. Seriously. Stories of boys leaving school and saying they were going to Oratory and the elders telling the children things like, "You know Don Bosco is sick, you probably shouldn't go out." Bosco had a deep passion and this grand dream of faith in his mind and heart, but regardless of what he had in front of him concretely, in his mind it was all he imagined.
It got to the point that one day two other priests came to visit and were actually planning to take Bosco to a mental institution, so the books say. He could tell something was up when the two arrived and then said they wanted to take him somewhere. He agreed but asked if they were going as well and they nodded. So he agreed, offered to let them into the carriage first and after they were in, shut the door and told the driver to go the institution. The doctors there knew they were expecting a priest but surprised to see two. Bosco won that one, I think
Don Bosco was a man that was never considered anything more than poor as a child, but throughout his life, it seems that he not only struggled, but found far more riches than many of us dared to dream.
Although so many thought he was crazy and there were low points where he, himself was starting to believe that he might just be crazy, look at all he created by truly believing in his dreams and living out his faith. Such a beautiful, yet light-hearted message to reflect on for my Thursday. It helps to illustrate that all us have desires and dream and that they are possible, but you will have to fight to make it happen, something Bosco did daily for years on end, he lived his life for the youth and throughout the WORLD, people, young and old look to him to create opportunities and inspire.
As I was sitting listening to this story, I look around and smile about the system and many, many schools that he has helped to create. Don Bosco always strived to create in one atmosphere: 4 things: School, Church, Playground and Home and although there are sometimes little things within the schools that are frustrations or problems, I truly believe that we have all 4 and to listen this morning about how many people saw Don Bosco as insane, but to be living out his dream many years later, out in one of the many countries that he dwells.
So in true Good Morning/Night fashion: the moral or what to take from this is to definitely to think and reflect on what is it we want to do with our lives, are you afraid to share because others will think you are crazy? Well in the way of Don Bosco, it seemed to all be alright in the end...it's not always easy but if you are genuinely working for the good of others you will see results, regardless of if they are exactly what you imagine.
Good night, yall! Sub bun da alll (Sweet Dreams)
