We all worry about our kids and the kids we love. From babies to adults, we agonize if we have done enough, what direction they are headed, or did we do or say too much? As a parent, aunt, neighbor, and in my position as Director of Faith Formation, I have had the joy and sometimes heartache of experiencing kids in all stages of life.
As I grow older and continue to learn about the grace and peace that a life grounded in the love of Jesus can bring, my heart and mind are less jumbled with worry about my parenting skills and my kids’ success in the eyes of the world. I find myself praying more about the fruits of the spirit in my own life and cultivating them in the children I love. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) are the true markings of a life in Christ.
It’s not easy in this environment with the distractions of phones, devices, social media, and a world oriented to material success to engage with children in an authentic and meaningful way. While you may feel like you are falling short, I can assure you that you are not. I see the fruits of the spirit that you are instilling in your kids even if you receive the full spectrum of their developing minds and hearts at home.
I recently spent the weekend with our Jr. High kids at an overnight retreat at Lord of Life. They were all things that you can imagine a group of 6th to 8th graders would be: active, silly, loud, impatient, and impulsive. However, they were also kind, helpful, empathetic, creative, and faithful—like preschoolers with bigger bodies.
Our theme for the retreat was “God Calls Us to Serve.” We discussed ways to love and care for our neighbors through acts of service. We experienced serving and recognized who serves us. They mentioned their families over and over again as examples of kindness, sharing, and serving others. Well done, families! They are observing and imitating you.
As one of our activities, we served at Matthew 25 by sorting “imperfect” feminine hygiene pads into those that could still be used for their original purpose or those that can be used for cleaning up in areas devastated by war, natural disasters, or poverty. While they might have grumbled at the task initially, they got to work. They made a game of tossing them in the proper bins and competed to see who sorted the fastest, but they also worked diligently to get as many sorted as possible while discussing how different resources can be used to serve others or how we can work to be less wasteful in our own lives to serve creation.
Modeling our faith, priorities, and care for others can sometimes seem to be a daunting task, especially with the distractions and busyness of life. Be kind to yourself and know that the children we love are seeing the fruits of the spirit in you. What small steps can you take this week to live more freely in those life-giving traits?
We may never stop worrying about our children and the children we love but we can rest in the assurance that God will continue to guide our lives through the joys and heartache. I pray that living in the fruits of the spirit will not only nourish us but the lives of the children that surround us.
Living and serving with you through God’s love,
Angie Seiller, Director of Faith Formation