“But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19).
As a father, what I practice is what I teach my little one. Before children can understand language, they simply watch and mirror the behavior modeled for them. Toddling out of babyhood, my daughter is a walking/talking mini-me of mom and dad.
The vain parts of me are elated to see some of my mannerisms passed along to my daughter, but every now and then my daughter will use words or tones that give me pause. “Is that what I sound like? Did I really use those words?”
The wonderful and beautifully demanding aspect of parenting is that who and how we are is reflected back to us, not in a scolding or oppressive way, but in innocence. In many ways, this is the most compelling impetus for reflection and change. Contrast creates an opportunity for clarity. Children do not judge or make an abstract argument; they simply show us ourselves.
And when I see the fruit of my formation in my little one, I think “Oh, how much more I ought to be like you, little one.”
“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).
“But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19).
As a father, what I practice is what I teach my little one. Before children can understand language, they simply watch and mirror the behavior modeled for them. Toddling out of babyhood, my daughter is a walking/talking mini-me of mom and dad.
The vain parts of me are elated to see some of my mannerisms passed along to my daughter, but every now and then my daughter will use words or tones that give me pause. “Is that what I sound like? Did I really use those words?”
The wonderful and beautifully demanding aspect of parenting is that who and how we are is reflected back to us, not in a scolding or oppressive way, but in innocence. In many ways, this is the most compelling impetus for reflection and change. Contrast creates an opportunity for clarity. Children do not judge or make an abstract argument; they simply show us ourselves.
And when I see the fruit of my formation in my little one, I think “Oh, how much more I ought to be like you, little one.”
“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).
Matthew is a student at the Catholic Psych Institute to one day provide Mentorship – a daily service that integrates and aligns the best of the Psychological sciences with Catholic Anthropology and Spirituality. To learn more about Mentorship or read more from Matthew, join his newsletter (coming soon).
Feature Image Credit: Barrett Ward, unsplash.com/photos/girl-wearing-blue-and-white-dress-ZPWC2mVO0UE
The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.
Daily Reading
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