The Faith Page - August
“I asked God for strength that I might achieve. I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things. I was given sickness that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy. I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men. I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am, among all men, most richly blessed.”
(unknown confederate soldier)
What is prayer in your heart as this new school year begins?
Parents always want what is best for their children. This fidelity is quite evident here at Saint Peter’s as we see how active our parents are in the school. As parents, we face many challenges in raising our children. It is comforting to know that we have such a wonderful place in which to entrust our children each morning. When our children cannot be home with us, we pray for their safety, their happiness, positive influences, and for nothing bad to happen to them. The list goes on.
In the morning, our family attempts to offer our day to God in prayer. Then “I” usually start with my own list of things I want for each of us. Sometimes I have a hard time giving the whole day to God, because I have to insert my own agenda. This past school year, I did not get everything for which I asked. I can honestly look back and see God’s wisdom in not honoring my every request. My children have all grown and succeeded in many ways. There were times when I wanted to take a tough day away from one of my children but instead surrendered the day to God. In pushing through tough times, my children grew. They learned valuable life lessons. When our children face a tough situation, we should help them to grow by encouraging them to make the best of their situation. We cannot and should not always change things for them, or they won’t learn how to deal with adversity. As school starts, we inevitably will hear our child complain about their class or how all their friends are in the other homeroom. This time is a great opportunity to teach our children a valuable lesson on making the best of any circumstance. In the end, we will be proud of our child for having learned to face a tough situation.
As we approach this school year let us be grateful for our wonderful school, Sr. Roberta, Monsignor Costigan, Fr. Mariusz and all of the teachers and staff that spend each day shaping our children in wisdom and faith. Let us also learn to be grateful for those times when God responds to our prayers in His wisdom, not ours. - John Ebberwein
