Trying

I spent the summer taking two, and then three little boys to daily mass, trying to train them how to behave. Daily mass is shorter than Sunday mass, so I figured it would be a little easier to break them in to sitting quietly together. One of the “drawbacks” of daily mass is that it is not heavily attended, so there isn’t much extra sound to cover the occasional squeaks children make. Thankfully both our priests were familiar with our family and my goals, and were not phased by the many antics of my two little boys. we had blood shed a few times, lots of squirming, and pew escapism, basically general chaos. I got lots of dirty looks from the old women who maybe were not blessed with little boys, or forgot how kids can be, but I figured as long as we weren’t bothering the priests, I was doing the right thing. How else will they learn how to behave in mass if I didn't take them, even when it was terrible and I swore I never wanted to go back? As ever, when we went to apologize to the priests after mass (after getting on our knees and asking for forgiveness from God, and petitioning their saints for prayers for better behavior next time) Father would encourage me to keep it up even if we did make him crack a smile from the alter, even when they were at their worst, Father would pick up my boys in turn, give them big hugs, tell them to listen to mommy, and that they would see them tomorrow. If I had not had this loving encouragement I don’t know that I would have kept it up. But even when I was completely mortified by their behavior Father would smile (maybe offer an exorcism in a joking manner) and tell me he looked forward to seeing us the next day. That he looked forward to the day my children were well behaved enough to go to McDonalds for a treat after mass. There behavior did improve a bit by the end of summer.

Please continue to pray for our priests, that they always show the love of God. That all mothers with unruly children receive such love and support as they try to do the right thing. It is hard to show up day after day, it is very discouraging to see behavior get worse instead of better in the beginning. But, like all things parenting, you need to keep at it. It is much easier to keep going when you know that no matter how bad things can get (did I mention bloodshed?) you are still welcome. Lord bless all mothers everywhere who are doing their best to raise their children in the faith. May your boundless love pour over them daily.