We can tend to paint parents of “ideal” families as heroes, looking up to them as if they are all that we are not and as though we should feel guilty about it. Perhaps we did mess up in spots, and its normal to have regrets about that. Then we pray, surrender to Christ, and do what we can to set things right.
As you make your way along the Way of the Cross this Good Friday, stop to consider the weeping women and our Lord’s words to them.
Many take that as a foreboding, ominous message. I look at it in just the opposite. I see it as a message of great, great joy, in which Jesus is reaching out his hand to me, calling me to him and offering me the astounding chance to ask – and receive – forgiveness for my sins, to fully repent, and to change my ways before it’s too late.
It’s ridiculous, you know. All this pish-posh about fledglings growing up and leaving the nest. Friends tell me I should be happy, that this is the way it’s supposed to be, that a parent’s responsibility is to raise children who become strong, capable, and independent adults. Well, the children I’ve Read more…
Childlikeness isn’t something we can acquire on our own. It’s a grace we must ask for, and one that the Father is most willing to give us.
I stopped making New Year resolutions ages ago. Instead, I choose three Scripture passages to copy, print, and keep handy throughout the year. I review them as often as possible and give them some serious prayer time at least once a month. I keep the printed copy in a conspicuous place because I’m one of those people who remembers things I see better than things I hear or note mentally.
Of course, it’s not good to go around acting like a drill sergeant. Sometimes there is good reason to be gentle. But at other times, people need to be shown that they have more potential than they give themselves credit for.