 | Surely I am not the only mother with children who have a tendency to think mostly of themselves, without regard for the feelings and happiness of those around them: most notably their siblings. It finally hit me that it was time to be proactive in my endeavors to bring up saints. What we need in our family is JOY! True JOY! A JOY that will be brought about by putting: Jesus First Others Second Yourself Last |
So, just recently I started designating a specified time to send my little saints on to a Mission of JOY. I told them that everything they do is a secret - a secret between them and God. Something that will be added to their heavenly reward.
The first thing they need to do is decide on something that puts Jesus first. So, some choose a sacrifice, some might choose a chore, and some might say a prayer, such as an Act of Love for God.
Then, it's on to thinking about others, for the love of God. Again, they might offer a sacrifice, do a chore for their sibling, perhaps even go and give them a hug telling them something they appreciate about them. My five year old had been stumped until I told him he could simply choose someone and say a prayer (or prayers), such as three Hail Marys, in thanksgiving for that person or for the graces they need to become saints; something along those lines. Always thinking of the welfare of the other person.
Finally! It's time for something for themselves! Ah, but, little ones, if you really want to love yourselves in a holy way, it will be in a manner that leads you closer to God, such as making reparation for past sins committed. I don't know about you mamas, but I get a little negligent in seeing to it that they do something to help make up for their sins. Yet I believe it really is something we ought to be doing. And what better way than to make it part of their daily Mission of JOY?
I've found that the few minutes they are gone on their little missions are some of the nicest. Self is not a concern.
Just thought I'd share with you what we've been doing, and perhaps spur on a few ideas for your family in the endeavor of making saints.
God bless!
The first thing they need to do is decide on something that puts Jesus first. So, some choose a sacrifice, some might choose a chore, and some might say a prayer, such as an Act of Love for God.
Then, it's on to thinking about others, for the love of God. Again, they might offer a sacrifice, do a chore for their sibling, perhaps even go and give them a hug telling them something they appreciate about them. My five year old had been stumped until I told him he could simply choose someone and say a prayer (or prayers), such as three Hail Marys, in thanksgiving for that person or for the graces they need to become saints; something along those lines. Always thinking of the welfare of the other person.
Finally! It's time for something for themselves! Ah, but, little ones, if you really want to love yourselves in a holy way, it will be in a manner that leads you closer to God, such as making reparation for past sins committed. I don't know about you mamas, but I get a little negligent in seeing to it that they do something to help make up for their sins. Yet I believe it really is something we ought to be doing. And what better way than to make it part of their daily Mission of JOY?
I've found that the few minutes they are gone on their little missions are some of the nicest. Self is not a concern.
Just thought I'd share with you what we've been doing, and perhaps spur on a few ideas for your family in the endeavor of making saints.
God bless!
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