Dear sweet Mamas, how’s it going? How is the summer of 2020 shaping up for you? How is it with your soul? Come, have an iced cold glass of sweet tea and melt with me in the Texas heat on my back patio. Or better yet, let’s grab a tumbler of something stronger and dip our feet in the shallow end of the pool. It’s been quite a ride these past few months.
It feels as if the entire world is poised on the edge of a knife, and it’s anyone’s guess which way it’s going to go. My teeth are clenched more often than not these days, and the reasons are varied.
I long simply to bask in the joys of summer, to laze with my children poolside and plan fun outings with friends. And while our pace has slowed, and we can enjoy the refreshment of chlorine water, the constant presence of our high-spirited, opinionated teens has turned my summer into a microcosm of the conflicts we see in the world today.
My gals have delved head-first into all of the political and social drama of the past few months. They seek truth and clarity, justice and mercy. While I long for the days of popsicles and dimpled elbows and knees peeking out of ruffled sundresses, my girls are making signs and marching, discussing history and science and policy and Catholic teaching, and this old mama can barely stay one step ahead anymore.
They come to us for answers, these teens of ours. And my husband and I lean heavily on our philosophy and theology background to dig deep for those answers. We discuss Natural Law and first principles and the glory of the doctrine of the Catholic faith. These are hefty conversations, but so very crucial in these times.
It is so tempting to be overwhelmed. Our actions now more than ever seem so full of eternal consequences—but hasn’t it always been this way? This cup of water, that kiss on the forehead, the story read “one more time” have all evolved into late night chats, serious questions, and firm answers needed. This is the greatest of tasks: continuing to witness to our children the beauty of our Faith; how it comforts and sustains us; how it rings clear with truth, justice, and mercy. It brings our teens and families through every trial—through times such as these—opening our hearts and minds through this continuous dialogue of trust and truth-seeking.
Above all, it allows Christ to rule these places of heart and mind—bringing peace, hope, and healing to our families and our world.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7).
Megan, this post reflects the truth that the number one thing our kids need to learn is that they are loved! Your beautiful relationship with your grown children (with all of them) is a witness to the fact that they know unconditional love and they can explore deep waters while still staying close to you. That’s awesome! Keep up the wonderful job you are doing:)
Megan thank you for this reminder. I know in my own motherhood it’s hard to remember that my simple tasks of compassion are a witness of Christ to my kids. I needed to hear this today and I ALWAYS love hearing your wisdom on this crazy jouney.