 Several times a summer, we would grab blankets, round up the kids, and head out to the backyard. Lying next to one another, we would gaze up at the black sky dotted majestically with pinpricks of light. We would settle into silence—in awe and wonder at the vastness of the universe. I would then, almost in a whisper, remind our children of their worth: “Can you believe God created this magnificent universe? Isn’t it amazing how God set everything in order? Not only that, but God created you. God counts every hair on your head and knows every thought in your mind. God created you for all eternity with an infinite, unconditional love.”
 One late Friday afternoon, four-year-old Joe opened his bedroom door, ran through the hallway, careened down the stairs, and practically flew out the front door, repeating, “My daddy’s home! My daddy’s home!” For years, Joe kept a bag packed with a flashlight, books, underwear, socks, and pajamas underneath his bed—just in case daddy would take him camping. Joe, and his three brothers, loved the call of adventure in the wilderness, the nearest park, or the backyard. But most evenings, you would find all four boys “camping” in their bedroom, listening intently to my husband, Mike, read and discuss stories of adventure, filled with heroes and villains: The Hardy Boys, The Lord of the Rings, Encyclopedia Brown, The Chronicles of Narnia, and more. Undoubtedly, evening storytelling was the boys’ favorite time of the day and a most cherished part of their childhood.
Holy Trinity Sunday: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061117.cfm
When she doesn’t get her way, our sweet two-year-old, Elin Faith, flings herself to the ground, screams at the top of her lungs, and pounds her fists. Eventually, after her face has turned beet red and her cries have resolved to whimpers, her body limps. Early on, her mom and dad tried reasoning (good luck with a two-year-old!) and cajoling (not so much), but to no effect. Now, during a tantrum, they wisely walk away, or step around, Elin, until she has finished her fit. Then mom or dad scoop her up and lovingly hold her until she’s ready to join the family. Unfortunately, when asserting her own way, Elin has no idea she “condemns” herself to a miserable time instead of enjoying the friendship of her sister and the love and comfort of her parents. She does not realize the cost of her resistance. |
ReflectionsThe blog on this page presents reflections on the Sunday readings through the lens of a parent/grandparent, aiding leaders of the domestic church in their vital task as “first heralds” or “first preachers” of the Good News in the home. Archives
December 2021
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