PARENTS' PRAYER
I had the fortune to be able to serve mass this past week at the Catholic Schools week family mass at St. Paul with my two youngest children, Trevor and Peyton. In addition to the nervousness that came with it because I have not been an alter boy in about 35 years, it brought with a perspective that does not take a lot of words to get across. My nerves were settled by son Trevor who went through check down notes in the playbook the night before, gave me reminders and a pep talk right before mass, and then kept a watchful eye on me with a quiet guiding word throughout the mass. You could tell he was proud that I was there with him in the service, while also making sure I did not slip up, as he knows his stuff where these types of things are involved, and wants to make sure I do too. It felt like he was the Dad and I was the son for a bit there, and it was reassuring. Peyton was quiet throughout, but gave me the occasional glance with her "Hi Dad, this is nothing to worry about" look that she and my older daughter Nicki is known for.
It reminder me how important it is to get involved in your kids school, your church, your family, your community, your friends, and people in general, no matter which groups you belong to or want to be a part of. There were many families with all their kids and mom and dad there to participate, and loads of kids doing things associated with the service, and regardless of faith, that is a good thing. It reminded me there are no bigger jobs we have than growing these kids and how often we can get it wrong trying to do it right. That can be both tremendously challenging as we mostly have no idea what we are doing and are learning along the way to make the best decisions and actions as parents, and also so intensely satisfying when you get to see their smile, hear their laugh, or admire their very serious attention to the important details.
All of us parents were asked to join in a Parents' Prayer for our kids, while placing our hand on the shoulder of our kids.
Dear Lord,
Please give me the words to help my children
Help me help them to sort through their feelings
Give me the words to let them know how really special they are to me...and to You.
May my love convince them that they are lovable and unique becaue they are Your creation
Give me Your arms to hug them.... Your ears to truly listen to them...Your heart to love them
Lord, I ask you to guide me in the discovery of the wonder of each of my children, these magnificent human beings that you have entrusted to my care.
Amen