Made to Play, Made to Imagine: The Spiritual and Emotional World of Childhood
“A parent that wastes time with their children, playing with them, accompanying them, this is love. And this is how faith is passed on.” —Pope Francis
Could Call This “Jesus, Take the Wheel”… But I Won’t. Even Though I Should.
It was an awful experience—but an important one. Another moment where the Savior got to be the Savior. Where I knew I wouldn’t have been enough without Him. And while I won’t go looking for moments like that, I’m grateful He allows them.
Don’t Think I’ve Heard a Homily in 6 Years
And while I’m in a different state of life right now—with all the distractions of family, work, and, frankly, my own interior mess—I’m so grateful for that experience of love. That kiss from Heaven, where Jesus kneels beside me, points to those in the pews, and says, “Watch.”
Learning to Mother with Mary
While Mary’s courage inspires me, her surrender—her Fiat—deeply intimidates me. Because if Mary could do it, then so could I. There are many things Mary did that I pray I never have to do. It is terrifying to think about giving up control, especially when it comes to my children…
As a mother, I don’t want to imagine the loss of my child. And yet, I’ve pictured it—more times than I’d like to admit. Intrusive thoughts come unexpectedly, terrifyingly. Even during pregnancy, I remember the vulnerability of knowing how common miscarriages are, wondering: What if it’s my turn? My turn to lose a child. My turn to look death in the eye. My turn to be asked to trust God with something I couldn’t bear to lose.