Gary Leads "Little Way of the Family"

This year marked a significant turning point in the life of Gary Ludlam. At age 42 and with Ph.D. in Physics in hand and years of work as an engineer, Gary has become a student again. This year, Gary has embarked on an independent study of Christ's teachings, Christianity, Church teachings and doctrine, and the fundamental truths and philosophy of the Catholic faith and traditions. As part of this journey, Gary blogs regularly for the "Little Way of the Family" blog spot. He has become increasingly active in Church and its teachings as they apply to the family.

"The Little Way of the Family" is inspired by St. Therese of Lisieux, who is one of the doctors of the Catholic Church. For years, Gary and his family pursued a number of career aspirations and material wealth. Although the family is grateful for many of the fortunes given to them by God, Gary and Cheryl are beginning to realize more and more that true happiness is achieved only through a pursuit of closeness to God alone.

Gone are the frequent dinners to 5-star restaurants. Gone are the shopping sprees downtown for designer clothing for their children. Gone are the maids and the gardeners. With Gary leading the charge, the Ludlam family life centers on growing closer to God through fun and meaningful times together. What could be better than 5-star restaurants and a life of seeming wealth? Try the richness of cooking dinner together every night as a family at home. Try watching their three children chase the dogs while their mom and dad get much needed exercise by landscaping their beautiful backyard. Try praying together as a family and hearing their 17-month-old son attempt to say the Lord's prayer. Try building a dollhouse with their 10-year-old daughter. Try putting together a model car with their 6-year-old son. Try romantic evenings by the fireplace as a married couple. Try regular Sunday dinners with the entire extended family. Life could not be richer, and God's plan is infinitely better than ours ever could have been.