"...We should do all we can to give our children the best childhood possible, but because that is our vocation and road to sanctity as mothers, not because our children are so fragile." --Rebecca Ramsay
I reflected on this for a while. And as it soaked in a burden of fear lifted off me. All this guilt I carry around because I lose my temper and my patience, because I don't do everything perfectly for my children all the time began to subside. The fear that I'm going to ruin my children because for one instant out of the entire day I'm with them I do something I wish I hadn't started to crack under the realization that the onus of control lies not on the outcome of my children's lives, but on mine. It is my job, my vocation, my call to strive for everyday sanctity. In so doing my mothering, my interactions with my children, will bear the fruit of the sacrifice and prayer. And then I remembered I needed to pray.
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| What was supposed to be a splash time turns into a full body experience. |
This message also reminded me of that paradoxical point of view that children crave routine, but are at the same time resilient. I do my best to ensure that my children eat well, sleep well, and play well, but life is life. Things happen. Patience is lost, or the routine goes out the window, or sometimes we even skip a snack [gasp!]. My kids still smile, and laugh and find joy in things. They aren't scared of me (as witnessed by the lack of listening going on with my little lady currently), they still come to me for comfort and support and help. So I haven't ruined them. I long to explore their world with them, to laugh with them, and to find joy in the sillies and stranges with them. So that's what I'll work on today. Being present, making sacrifices joyfully, and striving for everyday sanctity.
