Going to mass with our 5 kids is kind of messy. It always has been. We’ve thrown paper airplanes; run up and down aisles; had kick fights; yelled bad words; decorated arms and legs with pen tattoos; constant chattering and giggling. We claimed our seats in the last row a few years ago.
I asked around, tried different encouragement and discipline tactics, but nothing worked for us. We continued going, and I just surrendered each mass to God and allowed myself to grow in humility.
I finally found peace with one thing though that I thought I’d share. I started leaning over to the kids and asking, “Are you giving your best to God?” I have found that this is all I can do. The people around us might look at Matt and I, and think what they want about our uncontrolled chaos, but I know in my heart I am just trying to give my best to God. So if this is true for me, when my daughter looks into my eyes and says, “Yes, Mom, I’m giving my best” and then starts playing with her brother or tickling her sister…maybe I can take a deep breath and believe her, let it be, and turn my gaze to God again.
I would be pleased if, “Are you giving your best to God?” would stick with them more than them remembering how angry mom was after mass, or how Mom and Dad judged each kid’s behavior from beginning to end (it’s been a rough road).
I love when I’m reminded that the church is a hospital for the sick. If our family needs to remind everyone around us that God loves us and welcomes us when we’re not clean, perfect, and pretty, (on the outside or inside), then okay God, I surrender to your plans. Thank you for creating us as we are. I go to mass for your glory, Lord, not my own. My best is my heart, God, and you know it’s all yours. Amen.
My Heart, My Home 