Well, I took a break, the holidays require loads of time and putting something thoughtful down was impossible. But this year's holidays did bring about a new topic for consideration.....
During this season we were complimented on our family: the children's behavior in church, their finishing their meal, etc. After most compliments, we heard a similar statement, "I don't know how you do it, five kids and all, I could never do it." While that statement sounds like a compliment, and something to encourage me as the Sentinel, it only saddened me.
Our goal of being out in the world is not to frustrate other people that they could never do it, but just the opposite. Indeed, our goal is that others would believe that if WE could, they can. So a statement like that, I could never do it, handle it, deal with it, etc etc....is only a way to insult themselves, and sadden me. Anyone can do it. Anyone who sacrifices can do it. Anyone who works for it, can do it. Anyone who loses themselves in order to find their vocation, can do it. We aren't some anomaly. People are raising their children with dedication and fortitude all across the world. The only difference between those who do and don't, is the sacrifice and work involved. Some can do it, others can't, and still others can, but refuse.
We want to offer hope. One person this year, said just that. Newly married and his wife expecting he said, that our children and family, offer him hope that it isn't rocket science, and that with God's help, he too, can work and sacrifice for the family God has planned for him. That statement was a compliment. We want to offer hope.
During this season we were complimented on our family: the children's behavior in church, their finishing their meal, etc. After most compliments, we heard a similar statement, "I don't know how you do it, five kids and all, I could never do it." While that statement sounds like a compliment, and something to encourage me as the Sentinel, it only saddened me.
Our goal of being out in the world is not to frustrate other people that they could never do it, but just the opposite. Indeed, our goal is that others would believe that if WE could, they can. So a statement like that, I could never do it, handle it, deal with it, etc etc....is only a way to insult themselves, and sadden me. Anyone can do it. Anyone who sacrifices can do it. Anyone who works for it, can do it. Anyone who loses themselves in order to find their vocation, can do it. We aren't some anomaly. People are raising their children with dedication and fortitude all across the world. The only difference between those who do and don't, is the sacrifice and work involved. Some can do it, others can't, and still others can, but refuse.
We want to offer hope. One person this year, said just that. Newly married and his wife expecting he said, that our children and family, offer him hope that it isn't rocket science, and that with God's help, he too, can work and sacrifice for the family God has planned for him. That statement was a compliment. We want to offer hope.
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