Forgive me a sinner.
It's absolutely amazing to me how my girls can go from angels to demons in a matter of moments, but then this is not unlike myself when denied my own way. I often talk with my daughters about selfishness and the "I wants". I reference the little girl in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as an example of the "I wants" and how the little girl is a "bad nut".
Last night a great battle of wills took place in the forest of Pixley (our street). An angel (my daughter) decided that she wanted her way. The fight was short and I of course prevailed. The angel sat weeping in the other room while I let the consequences of her actions take root. I proceeded with the bedtime routine as usual and brought her back in when it was appropriate. In a short while both angels were asleep and I went back downstairs to finish up, relax, etc.
As with most "growing opportunities", I tried to contemplate the evening as I was winding down; thinking through my thoughts, words, and actions. There was nothing out of the ordinary regarding this battle and after some tea and the last half of a movie my wife and I turned in.
In the early morning hours I got up and prepared for work. As I was packing up my gear I noticed a little piece of paper stuffed into the same pocket my wallet goes in. I plucked the paper up and noticed some writing carefully inscribed on it. After moving into some light the word "ZOE :)" appeared in yellow highlighter.
This doesn't happen all the time, but when it does it's truly a blessing. The little note was perfectly placed, not only physically, but timely. I needed that little bit of encouragement to reassure me that I did the right thing.
Thank God for little notes.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Reflections - On being a father
Forgive me a sinner...
A young man and his family stood praying in the back of a church awaiting the glorious Great Entrance. The man, full of zeal for his new found faith, attempting to church his children, signs himself with the sign of The Cross in an effort to stay with the Liturgy. His wife obviously uncomfortable and unsure of this new experience, stares on trying to make sence of it all.
"May the Lord God remember all of you in His Kingdom, now and ever and unto ages of ages.", the deacon calls. As the procession nears the young man struggles with his children, "get up!" he says with a forced whisper, "stand up!" gritting his teeth. One last effort to force his children to stand aright, he yanks on their arms. The procession passes as it has done for the last 2000+ years. The clergy and people praying for the salvation of the world.
The family is the Domestic Church and all that we do should mirror Christ to the world. It starts in our homes, behind closed doors long before we arrive to participate in the Liturgy.
I recall fighting with my wife, because we were late for church. Angry with one another the entire 20 minute drive and leaving her in the car as I marched in all my "righteous" anger to go stand before the Creator of the universe, the I AM.
Jesus Christ has never forced anyone to follow Him, nor has he "yanked" them by the arm to stand them up in reverance as He passes by. The example of our Lord and Saviour should show us that churching our children is a marathon of peaceful continual correction, not a sprint to turn our kids into monks/nuns, or to appear pious before others.
There was a statement told to me quite frequently when I was first introduced to Christ. "You may be the only bible people ever read." I thought this statement to be somewhat silly at first, but after having children I understand it's meaning more than ever. I am the "Priest" of my household. I "read" the gospel around the clock to my family, not verbally, but by living it out, not by forcing them to stand and pray. I like a deacon, direct my family's attention to help keep them on track. This is my calling as a Christian, as a husband, and as a father.
May God grant me humility, love and patience to fulfill that which he has entrusted to me.
A young man and his family stood praying in the back of a church awaiting the glorious Great Entrance. The man, full of zeal for his new found faith, attempting to church his children, signs himself with the sign of The Cross in an effort to stay with the Liturgy. His wife obviously uncomfortable and unsure of this new experience, stares on trying to make sence of it all.
"May the Lord God remember all of you in His Kingdom, now and ever and unto ages of ages.", the deacon calls. As the procession nears the young man struggles with his children, "get up!" he says with a forced whisper, "stand up!" gritting his teeth. One last effort to force his children to stand aright, he yanks on their arms. The procession passes as it has done for the last 2000+ years. The clergy and people praying for the salvation of the world.
The family is the Domestic Church and all that we do should mirror Christ to the world. It starts in our homes, behind closed doors long before we arrive to participate in the Liturgy.
I recall fighting with my wife, because we were late for church. Angry with one another the entire 20 minute drive and leaving her in the car as I marched in all my "righteous" anger to go stand before the Creator of the universe, the I AM.
Jesus Christ has never forced anyone to follow Him, nor has he "yanked" them by the arm to stand them up in reverance as He passes by. The example of our Lord and Saviour should show us that churching our children is a marathon of peaceful continual correction, not a sprint to turn our kids into monks/nuns, or to appear pious before others.
There was a statement told to me quite frequently when I was first introduced to Christ. "You may be the only bible people ever read." I thought this statement to be somewhat silly at first, but after having children I understand it's meaning more than ever. I am the "Priest" of my household. I "read" the gospel around the clock to my family, not verbally, but by living it out, not by forcing them to stand and pray. I like a deacon, direct my family's attention to help keep them on track. This is my calling as a Christian, as a husband, and as a father.
May God grant me humility, love and patience to fulfill that which he has entrusted to me.
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