The work of a parish priest gives the chance to observe people in many different life situations.
The elderly smile and shine with pride when their children and grand-children are home visiting. The steely determination of parents as they sacrifice for their children. Nervous newly engaged couples approaching the church to plan their wedding. A stay in the hospital tends to bring out anyone’s true colors. We priests see it all.
But the ones that touch me the most are our young children and teens. They’re so “out there”, so new and raw, so . . . wonderfully goofy. Let’s marvel for a moment at our young ones.
Doesn’t it kill you when . . .
- They smile that kid’s smile. It’s radiant without their knowing it. The smile doesn’t have the slightest notion of what we know (that heartache isn’t too far down the road.) “Oh,” we say, “If only they could stay here.” So beautiful.
- A young person shows off some talent or favorite activity getting friends or family to smile and applaud.
- The girls break into singing the current youth “anthem” at a party or game. They’re so free in that happy way.
- The boys power down unbelievable amounts of spaghetti and get hungry 20 minutes later.
- The whole school turns out for a prayer service for one of their sick class mates.
- They try putting on some idea of adult behavior just to see how it feels.
- They collapse in tears and fall into your arms . . . and still want you near them.
- After days of whining and selfishness they come out of themselves and do something amazingly thoughtful for someone. “Yay! It’s working!”, parents think for a moment.
And don’t you wish you could . . . . . you know . . . control their lives!
- Spare them the hurt you know life eventually hands out?
- Let them see what you see in them (how wonderful they are)?
- Give them the confidence they need without them having to earn it through trial and error?
- Choose their friends?
- Spare them bad, impulsive choices?
- Find the perfect job, boyfriend, girlfriend, room-mate?
- Get them to experience God’s Spirit working in their life?
- Ensure their happiness and safety throughout their lives?
Oh how we want to live their lives for them!
So the question for parents and grand-parents is this:
Do you think God loves these children less than you? He made them!! He loved them so much He gave each of them a unique personality, style, and soul. To top it off. . . God gave them YOU.
So what’s your part in their life now? Here they are, physically grown, and old enough to make their own choices. So many choices out there; so many voices calling them to follow. They need you to witness to your belief in the goodness of life. They need you to show them why you continue to hope in spite of trouble and darkness . . . why you pray, why you believe in the goodness of people. Why you follow Christ.
Jesus may have been thinking of teenagers when he said, “Watch the wild flowers grow . . . they neither spin nor worry . . . yet not even King Solomon is as beautiful as these. Won’t God be sure to watch over you?” Luke 12: 27-28
BUT! Teach these young ones to “Seek FIRST my will in their life,” says the Lord. “And these other things will come to pass.”
What’s God’s part? “Take courage.” He says. “I have overcome the world”.
God is with you. Trust Him
Fr. Tim
