domestic church
by Katie Sciba
Every Soul Has a Weakness How children inspire and teach us in our lives and in our faith
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very soul has a weakness, right? I’m not thinking chocolate or daytime TV, but a legitimate, nagging obstacle that seems to constantly resurface: a workaholic with his to-do list, the immoderate caretaker who’s just a touch too nosy, or me – the pushover. It doesn’t define my entire existence, but in many cases I tend to bend to circumstance; I think it’s because I get scared that if there are too many cards stacked against me, there’s no use pushing through. It’s just too hard. With each of my shortcomings, however, God has placed people in my life to counter them. In school, I didn’t have much of a will for excelling until I roomed with my best friend. She had academic discipline and because of her example, my study habits improved drastically. Just married, I was a pretty uptight bride to my altogether laid back groom. I had no idea how controlling I was until we tied the knot, but after five years of life with Andrew, I’m learning to let go. In the back of my mind, I think I’ve been aware of the pushover part of me, but my cognizance has grown keener. Recently, I recognized another soul sent to draw me closer to Christ and help me develop some backbone in the process. A few months ago my 2.5-year-old and I went to Mass separately from my husband and 16-month-old. When I stood for the Creed I immediately blacked out, faint with intense contractions from my pregnancy. I sat down and quickly improved, though with some manageable dizziness. Just when I was recovering, I looked at my little companion and saw him, umm…taking care of business. Potty training was new at our house and he had never “done” anything outside our home
bathroom. After 20 minutes in the restroom trying to encourage him (in vain) while continuing to fight against the dizziness, I threw in the towel. “We’re going home,” I announced, and took my son by the hand out of the bathroom and through the vestibule. I wanted to stay and I prayed God would make it possible, but truly, I also wanted to give up. Walking out the front door, I held it open behind me for my son to follow. “WAIT,” I heard. I turned around and looked down at him, “Hey Mama, we needa finish church. I needa stay here pweez.” Eyes wide and mouth open with surprise, I nodded and followed my little boy back into Mass. I sat taking very slow breaths for the rest of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. I received Holy Communion and we were present for the final blessing. I don’t know what my son’s motives were, but we stayed. I can’t get over how determined he was to remain through the end of Mass, or his confidence in telling me that it was what we needed to do. Typically a pushover, I was readily obedient to such certitude from someone whose little demands were so relevant to the on-goings of my soul. And because this story is chock full of ‘em, please draw one of the following lessons: A) God speaks to us through our children and they are among those who help us most with our shortcomings. B) God really, really doesn’t want us to leave Mass early. C) Lock your kid in the house until he’s totally potty trained – then you can take him out in public. Katie Sciba is the author of thecatholicwife. net. She lives in Shreveport with her husband, Andrew, and three sons, Liam,Thomas & Peter.
Life Lessons from Children God offers infinite lessons through our kids. Take a time-out to see more clearly what He's trying to teach you!
Simplicity Give a kid a big, exciting toy and what does he play with instead? The box. Further proof that less is more.
Love is Beautiful Children couldn’t care less about appearances. Smile at them, spend time with them, show interest in them and you become the most beautiful person in their world.
Ask Questions
With kids, do the questions ever stop? Some days it seems they don’t; and when it comes to learning about Catholicism, the questions shouldn’t stop with us grown-ups either. Dive in and ask why a million times to learn and love our Catholic faith more.
Be Not Afraid
It’s natural to be scared of things like loud thunder or sharks, but when it comes to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and praying to God, kids are ready and willing to proceed because they trust. Let’s take a cue from them and abandon fear and trust in God’s mercy.
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