Let’s be honest here: the Most Wonderful Time of the Year comes with inevitable drama for many of us.
With the help of St. Josemaria Escriva (on this blog, are you really surprised?) and some hard-earned wisdom from both of us, Staci Gulino and I share tips and tricks for navigating clashing personalities and sticky situations that can come with family gatherings for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We had a lot of fun recording this episode, and I think that many of you will be able to relate to the funny and not-so-funny situations we talk about.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE
Frustrating or complicated situations with family always involve a lack of virtue: in ourselves, in others, or in both of us. Studying the virtues and the principles for applying them to everyday situations is so important. It gives us self-awareness, as well as helps us to be less harsh and more understanding with others.
Here is one of my favorite quotes (from St. Josemaria) in the episode:
It is inevitable that you should feel the rub of other people’s characters against your own. After all, you are not a gold coin that everyone likes. Besides, without that friction produced by contact with others, how would you ever lose those corners, those edges and projections — the imperfections and defects — of your character, and acquire the smooth and regular finish, the firm flexibility of charity, of perfection? If your character and the characters of those who live with you were soft and sweet like sponge-cake you would never become a saint. (The Way, 20)
By the way, you guys should hop on over to check out Staci’s wonderful blog, podcast, and radio show. Staci has a rich background of education and experience in mental health, the healthcare industry, the theology of the body, the saints, the theology of suffering, and more. Her writing and her radio/podcast interviews hit tough topics with a firm, charitable grace that is a special gift of hers.
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