Just Writing Through: Matthew Kelly: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose

Matthew Kelly presented his Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose talk at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Palatine, IL.

Several years ago, a young man from Australia came to speak to my young adult group. His message was simple: God desires for you to become to best version of yourself.

As a college student looking at that path ahead of me, being uncertain of my journey, wondering where I would be living, what career path I would take, whether I was called to the vocation of marriage, whether I would have a family … all of those questions were looming in front of me at that time. But as my future husband and I listened to Matthew Kelly’s talk that night and as I continued to read his books, I began to see that we all need to long for holiness in order to be the best version of ourselves.

Fast forward a couple – well, OK, a few – years. I started my first career as a high school educator, married my husband, had two beautiful girls and started my second career as a writer and photographer. My husband and I have continued to be fans of Kelly – from his books, to his various speaking engagements, to his online seasonal programs – and and we always walk away inspired.

After we found out he was going to be speaking nearby, we purchased tickets, excited to see him in person again. Several years, multiple best-selling books, a major organization and a ridiculous amount of speaking engagements later, Matthew Kelly’s message remains: God desires us to be the best version of ourselves.

Oh, his presentation is longer. He has added a talented acoustic guitarist and singer/songwriter, Eliot Morris. He brings other employees with him to talk about aspects of his Dynamic Catholic organization. But, the honesty -- the brutal honesty that had inspired my husband and I all those many years ago -- still is present.

I am so thankful for this opportunity not only to be inspired, but also to take an honest look at my own life.

Kelly maintains that we are creatures of habit, and that we can only change when our habits change.

More than fifteen years later, I still need this reminder! How many times do I hear Kelly speak about or write about a particular habit and think: "Hmmmmm. Yeah, I’ve done that. When did I fall out of that habit?" Too frequently when I look at my daily routine, I realize that I've let good habits -- habits that help me become the best version of myself -- slide.

For example, on Sunday Kelly spoke about spending time in silence. Yes, I’ve committed to this priority in the past ... back when I wasn’t working, when the kids were little, when we didn’t have crazy 7 a.m. skating practices, when I didn’t work until 2 a.m. Yes. I had that time. But, slowly, it was edged out … by early morning activities, deadlines and homeschool prep. Matthew Kelly is so spot-on -- again! I clearly need this. When did my habit change?

Another key point was that we ALL have talents and abilities. Kelly said that God speaks to us through these talents and abilities. What a truly beautiful way to look at our gifts! He reminded me that if I don’t have a particular talent, then I do not need it for my journey. I have my own -- and God expects me to use them to desire holiness. Looking at my abilities in that way certainly shifts the focus of my life from comparison (the thief of joy) to contentment. And, goodness, as a mom, as a wife, as a writer/photographer, I am so guilty of comparison. How much more effective would I be if I were content with my God-given abilities?

One more point worth sharing is the idea that most of us live lives of quiet desperation. Because I know this to be true, I put an emphasis on smiling at others, reaching out and just being kind – honestly some of my dearest friends have come from a random smile that lead to strangers becoming like family. But the reminder for me this Sunday was to remember to extend that same grace and kindness to my family – when we are in a hurry to get to lessons, when we have to finish our school before we can do the next fun activity, when the toys still are on the floor, when the laundry isn’t folded -- I need to be the one to extend that grace. I want our home to be a place of joy … and if I can smile at strangers, I can smile with those I love the most.

If you have the opportunity to see Matthew Kelly in person, I encourage you to go – he is engaging, inspiring and encouraging. Check out his website: dynamiccatholic.com for resources, reading material, encouragement and more.

Kelly ended his talk emphasizing that if we fill our churches with dynamic people, our churches will be dynamic.

Thank you, Matthew Kelly, for these important reminders to:

be holy,

be dynamic, and

be the best version of yourself.