I recently served at the Lift Jesus Higher Rally—an annual conference in Toronto, Ontario, that serves people from all over the province. It was a great time. There were powerful talks, inspiring worship, beautiful Adoration, and a final Mass. It was a gift to both serve at and receive from a powerful day.

It’s also a unique day for me because it’s where I met my now wife, Katey. Eleven years ago at the rally, we were introduced by a mutual friend. Every year I go back, I remember how grateful I am for the day. There’s a lot of nostalgia surrounding the rally for me, but at the same time, I always leave there with a sense of renewal.

This happened to be the 35th anniversary of the Lift Jesus Higher Rally and many people have come year after year. They come repeatedly having a good sense of all the elements of the day, yet they still show up. Why? Because they know that when it comes to the Lord, He makes all things new. They’re open to being amazed by the living God and anticipating his loving presence.

I pray that as I journey through life, my childlike wonder stays intact. I pray that I remain open to Him shining light on the mundane and routines of my life. I pray that when I approach the Lord in Scripture, the Sacraments, and daily occurrences, I do so with a sense of awe and anticipation. May the Lord always make things new, and may I always trust that He does.