The standard of success in today’s society seems to be the amount of money one makes, the fame they have, the accomplishments on their resume, the number of followers on social media and the list goes on. As parents we want the very best for our children, we want them to succeed and we want them to thrive. Although, at times we are tempted to get wrapped up in the world’s definition of success. We fall into the mindset of comparing our children and our families to those of others who appear more studious, more athletic, more musical or even more holy.
The truth, the beauty and even the simplicity is we are raising saints. There is not a cookie cutter, a mold or a one size fits all standard. The one similarity, we are striving for holiness and for each person that looks entirely different. Just as we all encounter our own trials, sufferings and crosses we each have been gifted from God with our own unique gifts, strengths and temperaments for His glory and our personal holiness.
As I look at my children it is very clear that no two of them are the same, each with their own personalities. Sometimes I wonder how I can have the quietest shy child and the most outgoing social child with only a 20 month age gap. The child who is naturally reverent and the child who is always full of boundless energy. The child who keeps everything neatly in its place and the child who isn’t bothered by a mess. The child who is more emotional and the one who seems to have no fears.
Similar to our own personal growth, as parents we foster and instill virtue where it is needed. What a gift though, to be able to help cultivate the individuality that God has given to our children. Perfect in His plan, for their specific mission in life and their path to sanctification. When we look at our children we can be reminded of the vast lives of the saints.
There are saints who were courageous and those who were timid. Some were brilliant theologians and doctors, while others humble door keepers. Saints who lived long lives and saints who died young. Some who were wealthy, still many who were poor. There are saints who lived in convents, those who lived in castles and those who traveled as missionaries. There are priests, nuns, kings, queens, popes, wives, husbands, children, each saint unique.
This week, February 2-6, is Relevant Radio’s Give from the Heart Pledge Drive. For a gift of $365, one dollar a day, you will receive the inspiring book, Piety and Personality: The Temperaments of the Saints by Rosemary McGuire Berry. The book highlights several saints and how their personal temperament led to their path of holiness, helping each of us understand that our unique traits can be conduits of grace.
WEDNESDAY ONLY, along with the book, you will also receive a Devotional Keepsake Box with five Miraculous Medals. Keep one medal for yourself and four to be shared with others. This is a beautiful way to pass on the faith by giving the medal to a stranger on the street, a wayward child or gifting it to a First Holy Communicant or Confirmand. In the words of Pope Benedict XVI, never forgetting each one of us were made for greatness.
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