Getting up on time has been a years-long struggle for me. But it’s been a real necessity for me this past year and a half. Without that morning prayer time and also early-morning prep work for the day, there is a lot more craziness in the morning.
We live with my Mom and Dad right now, and I can’t justify a lack of self-discipline anymore, because I cannot hide my mess within the walls of my home. Living with my parents has gone mostly-beautifully. Like, grace-has-been-showered-upon-us beautifully. But oh-my-goodness does living with other people force you to take a hard look at yourself. These days, when I don’t get up on time it’s not just my husband and children who have to deal with the added chaos.
Family life with little ones is often messy and loud by nature, but as a wife and mother, there are many little things I can do to give each day its best chance to be a good one. I’m at the point where sleeping in for another hour, skipping out on night-before chores, or straying too much from my weekly chores routine isn’t worth it.
So in that sense, I am learning to be incredibly grateful for this difficult season of my life over the past couple of years. Difficulty is so often the mother of growth in the spiritual life. I think God knew that would be true for me.
St. Jane Frances de Chantal said something that I go back to again and again: “What we must do is focus on what God is asking of us now, and leave the thought of all the rest to Him.”
I would not necessarily recommend that you move in with your parents indefinitely:), but it’s amazing how the struggles and crosses of life can unexpectedly lead you into making the kinds of changes you want to make in your life.
What are your crosses and challenges right now, and how are each of them calling you to grow in virtue? What is one thing you feel God may be nudging you to work on with faithfulness right now?
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