We have a housemate who struggles with unknown autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue, & chronic pain. She moved in with my family (with four small children) because she wanted to combat isolation & be in a position to put her life more in common. I learn from her example of perseverance, attentive conversation, consideration, intercession, and peace every day. She is not able to work full time, but spends her time as a "companion" for the Sisters of Holy Cross on their dementia ward, as a NICU rocker, helping with toddler child care so friends can homeschool their older kids, and visiting with many people. God bless Paula! I honor her.
I am doing the hard work of walking with my husband in his recovery to pornography. I have been walking for 7 years of the 7.5 years of our marriage, when I came to know. I have been walking forward in faith, hope and trust that the Lord never leaves his own. It is a labor that is unseen and unknown except for a few of the closest in our lives. It is a labor that has resurfaced many of the healing wounds of my childhood with an alcoholic father. It is a labor that is exhausting as I stand still with the Lord to fight for him, fight for the truth and fight for our marriage. It is a labor that makes me run for the arms of my Father, clinging to the promises that he has placed in my heart. It is truly a labor of love.
What an incredibly hard and holy and hopeful labor. Praying for you and your husband in the true work of marriage. Thank you for sharing this with us - I am certain you aren’t alone in this.
My Son-in-law does my large chores and maintenance that I'm not able to do. He won't take money and doesn't let me help. He says the best way to help is to stay on the sidelines. I have a very hard time not helping, and I feel strange not being able to compensate him in some way. But over the years I have done a lot of soul searching and worked on my reluctance to accept help from others.
My husband, Don, is a college professor. I see him working 60+ (and I mean +) hours a week to create an engaging and challenging learning experience for his students. In his advising role, he has celebrated with students when they have gotten into their graduate school or career of choice, and listened and guided as students realize they may need to change direction. The drama of life is played out in his office. These last two years of the pandemic have been hard and I see him burning out. College institutions are struggling and professors are being asked to do more and be more to continue to attract students. This has been his calling, but I don't know for how much longer.
This is such a testimony to the true calling of an educator - and the reality that systems and stress can take a real toll on a vocation. Praying for both of you in your holy labor.
Thanks for sharing this Anita. I am also a college professor and play a similar role as your husband. I am feeling similarly, and appreciate knowing I am not alone. I appreciate that you see the honor of the work your husband is doing, and the lives he is touching.
Praying for you, too, Kari. I pray that you can celebrate the honor of your work and lean into the success you experience for yourself and your students. And those moments can balance some of what I know to be a difficult holy labor.
My friend and co-worker, Beth, is always leaving notes and gifts for no special occasion, making meals for families in need, checking in on people, and just is always looking for ways to support her colleagues and friends. She does all of this while being a loving wife, mother of three teenagers and full time English teacher.
The small group of faithful women friends who meet every Monday to study, learn, share and assist each other on this journey to holiness. We started just before the world changed and we’ve recognized our time together is a blessing.
I find that teachers are those who persevere every day with the challenges of such a range of behavioral issues some have. They are silent caretakers for so many in helping kids survive and grow through their elementary, mid and high school yrs. In listening to a friend last night who is a Kindergarten teacher, it is commendable what she goes through on an hourly basis with these young people. I thank God for them every day.
YES. Teachers are lifesavers and lifechangers. I am even more in awe of educators through this pandemic. We need to change how we support them as a society.
My mother, who I find early in the morning inside her own room praying a novena and the rosary, every day. Her faith amazes me and it has truly inspired me to turn to God too in times of joy, struggle or need. My favorite word of prayer that I hear from her always is this, "Without you God, we are nothing." And it is so true!
A friend whose charism is connecting people in our parish to one other. She listens well and cares deeply about so many people that she always has someone that you should meet.
I am retired and should be downsizing, but my house has always been the gathering place for our families during holidays and for summer get togethers. It's a lot of work and the relatives help, but the behind the scenes prep and cleanup is exhausting. I am joyful that we are able to get the family together.
This week I ran into an old neighbor. When she and her husband and two boys moved from our neighborhood we were so very sad because they are just the loveliest of families. We caught up with one another in the check up line. She is currently helping her brother's family by caregiving for her niece 3 days a week. Her niece is 16 and has some pretty substantial medical needs. I stood there in awe. She keeps her niece at her house for 3 days every week. She looked at me after explaining how hard it is and said "I see all you are doing and it is so very good." I kept that in my heart all day. She is doing tireless, constant, heroic work that never gets put on the internet. She--and all caregivers--are loving and serving so so very well. I love that you are creating space for this because I think of this so so often--of all the one-day saints out there, quietly making God's Kingdom come.
Thank you, I so appreciate the prayers. I'm writing a book that's mostly for her and I'm so praying for this holy labor to give birth to beautiful things.
My dad recently had a major heart attack that resulted in cardiac arrest at 66 years old. My mom is only 60. There were big questions as to how his recovery would be and his quality of life after. It was so beautiful to see my mom by his side in the ICU and following, caring for him. He will make a full recovery (praise God), but her continued love and care for him made real the "sickness and health" part of their marriage vows. A hidden labor, certainly. They celebrated 39 years on the memorial of St. Margaret Mary.
I was able to get away for a weekend retreat and upon my return I had new eyes to see my children.
Their playfulness and compassion and resilience shined like the sun as they sat in the yard on a blanket reading books and playing make believe.
My six children span 15 yrs to 1yr. They take care of one another and teach each other new games and pray for one another. They ride their bikes to school together. I never imagined being the mom to so many, but it is an honor to watch them grow up together as friends day in and day out. Their joy is contagious
My husband is a professor and one of the most loving Dad’s. My boys chant his name when he arrives home and ask for more hugs and kisses before he leaves for work which he always is happy to give. My husband is most happy to make a difference in forming thoughtful young minds. When he comes home he prays with our children and is always ready to engage and help support our family.
As a professor my husband works to make assignments interesting for college students by finding the perfect funny memes and stays up reading enormous philosophy and theology books before falling asleep. He cares about doing his very best in making class interesting and encouraging every student.
He keeps in contact with his students and colleagues and very rarely turns down opportunities to share his knowledge or take time to get to know a student, advise them in various fields or college life and write beautiful letters of recommendation and encourage them. It’s hard to keep up with all his projects he has going and he works so hard. I do know he has a book forthcoming on God’s love and happiness.
Last Friday night after a week of regular teaching and working furiously on side projects He gave a talk he’s been asked to give on the value of disability & medical ethics to doctors of nursing. He strives to be an example of being a devout Christian and excels in using his intellect generously. When he disagrees with views he often uses questions or expresses his view calm, clear, and in a confident way.
As I said to Anita, I really appreciate that you see the value in the work your husband is doing as a father, professor, husband, and Catholic. The issue of medical ethics and disability is a critical topic, that is for sure, and I am grateful for professors that can support students in engaging in these difficult conversations. He is lucky to have you.
We have a housemate who struggles with unknown autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue, & chronic pain. She moved in with my family (with four small children) because she wanted to combat isolation & be in a position to put her life more in common. I learn from her example of perseverance, attentive conversation, consideration, intercession, and peace every day. She is not able to work full time, but spends her time as a "companion" for the Sisters of Holy Cross on their dementia ward, as a NICU rocker, helping with toddler child care so friends can homeschool their older kids, and visiting with many people. God bless Paula! I honor her.
Karen, this is incredible. What an amazing witness to the power of presence. Thank you for sharing your friend with us.
I am doing the hard work of walking with my husband in his recovery to pornography. I have been walking for 7 years of the 7.5 years of our marriage, when I came to know. I have been walking forward in faith, hope and trust that the Lord never leaves his own. It is a labor that is unseen and unknown except for a few of the closest in our lives. It is a labor that has resurfaced many of the healing wounds of my childhood with an alcoholic father. It is a labor that is exhausting as I stand still with the Lord to fight for him, fight for the truth and fight for our marriage. It is a labor that makes me run for the arms of my Father, clinging to the promises that he has placed in my heart. It is truly a labor of love.
What an incredibly hard and holy and hopeful labor. Praying for you and your husband in the true work of marriage. Thank you for sharing this with us - I am certain you aren’t alone in this.
Thank you for sharing this labor of love with us. Know that you are not alone. Praying for you and your husband now.
My Son-in-law does my large chores and maintenance that I'm not able to do. He won't take money and doesn't let me help. He says the best way to help is to stay on the sidelines. I have a very hard time not helping, and I feel strange not being able to compensate him in some way. But over the years I have done a lot of soul searching and worked on my reluctance to accept help from others.
Your words prompt me to reflect on how I let others serve me through their own labors. Thank you for sharing this witness with us - what a gift.
My husband, Don, is a college professor. I see him working 60+ (and I mean +) hours a week to create an engaging and challenging learning experience for his students. In his advising role, he has celebrated with students when they have gotten into their graduate school or career of choice, and listened and guided as students realize they may need to change direction. The drama of life is played out in his office. These last two years of the pandemic have been hard and I see him burning out. College institutions are struggling and professors are being asked to do more and be more to continue to attract students. This has been his calling, but I don't know for how much longer.
This is such a testimony to the true calling of an educator - and the reality that systems and stress can take a real toll on a vocation. Praying for both of you in your holy labor.
Thanks for sharing this Anita. I am also a college professor and play a similar role as your husband. I am feeling similarly, and appreciate knowing I am not alone. I appreciate that you see the honor of the work your husband is doing, and the lives he is touching.
Praying for you, too, Kari. I pray that you can celebrate the honor of your work and lean into the success you experience for yourself and your students. And those moments can balance some of what I know to be a difficult holy labor.
Thank you Anita. I appreciate this a great deal.
My friend and co-worker, Beth, is always leaving notes and gifts for no special occasion, making meals for families in need, checking in on people, and just is always looking for ways to support her colleagues and friends. She does all of this while being a loving wife, mother of three teenagers and full time English teacher.
Thoughtfulness is an underappreciated charism. People like this make the world infinitely better.
The small group of faithful women friends who meet every Monday to study, learn, share and assist each other on this journey to holiness. We started just before the world changed and we’ve recognized our time together is a blessing.
What an enormous gift. Community and companionship are essential!
I find that teachers are those who persevere every day with the challenges of such a range of behavioral issues some have. They are silent caretakers for so many in helping kids survive and grow through their elementary, mid and high school yrs. In listening to a friend last night who is a Kindergarten teacher, it is commendable what she goes through on an hourly basis with these young people. I thank God for them every day.
YES. Teachers are lifesavers and lifechangers. I am even more in awe of educators through this pandemic. We need to change how we support them as a society.
My mother, who I find early in the morning inside her own room praying a novena and the rosary, every day. Her faith amazes me and it has truly inspired me to turn to God too in times of joy, struggle or need. My favorite word of prayer that I hear from her always is this, "Without you God, we are nothing." And it is so true!
I love this. The holy labor of faithful prayer. Thank you for sharing the gift of your mother with us.
A friend whose charism is connecting people in our parish to one other. She listens well and cares deeply about so many people that she always has someone that you should meet.
What a beautiful gift! I love this.
I am retired and should be downsizing, but my house has always been the gathering place for our families during holidays and for summer get togethers. It's a lot of work and the relatives help, but the behind the scenes prep and cleanup is exhausting. I am joyful that we are able to get the family together.
May we never take such gatherings for granted again, after the years we've been living through!
My self-sacrificial husband stepping up is the only reason that I do anything away from home! We still have little kids & kiddos with special needs.
For all who make it possible for us to do what we do - Amen!
This week I ran into an old neighbor. When she and her husband and two boys moved from our neighborhood we were so very sad because they are just the loveliest of families. We caught up with one another in the check up line. She is currently helping her brother's family by caregiving for her niece 3 days a week. Her niece is 16 and has some pretty substantial medical needs. I stood there in awe. She keeps her niece at her house for 3 days every week. She looked at me after explaining how hard it is and said "I see all you are doing and it is so very good." I kept that in my heart all day. She is doing tireless, constant, heroic work that never gets put on the internet. She--and all caregivers--are loving and serving so so very well. I love that you are creating space for this because I think of this so so often--of all the one-day saints out there, quietly making God's Kingdom come.
What a holy refrain. Her words echo Genesis. Thank you for sharing this powerful witness with us.
I have a friend who is doing the hard work of deconstruction and the hope in her eyes inspired my own.
Deconstruction is a huge, hard, holy labor. Praying for her and all who are walking with her (including you).
Thank you, I so appreciate the prayers. I'm writing a book that's mostly for her and I'm so praying for this holy labor to give birth to beautiful things.
My dad recently had a major heart attack that resulted in cardiac arrest at 66 years old. My mom is only 60. There were big questions as to how his recovery would be and his quality of life after. It was so beautiful to see my mom by his side in the ICU and following, caring for him. He will make a full recovery (praise God), but her continued love and care for him made real the "sickness and health" part of their marriage vows. A hidden labor, certainly. They celebrated 39 years on the memorial of St. Margaret Mary.
Wow - what strength and sacrifice. Long marriage is such a holy mystery. Praying for both of them - and for you.
I was able to get away for a weekend retreat and upon my return I had new eyes to see my children.
Their playfulness and compassion and resilience shined like the sun as they sat in the yard on a blanket reading books and playing make believe.
My six children span 15 yrs to 1yr. They take care of one another and teach each other new games and pray for one another. They ride their bikes to school together. I never imagined being the mom to so many, but it is an honor to watch them grow up together as friends day in and day out. Their joy is contagious
My husband is a professor and one of the most loving Dad’s. My boys chant his name when he arrives home and ask for more hugs and kisses before he leaves for work which he always is happy to give. My husband is most happy to make a difference in forming thoughtful young minds. When he comes home he prays with our children and is always ready to engage and help support our family.
As a professor my husband works to make assignments interesting for college students by finding the perfect funny memes and stays up reading enormous philosophy and theology books before falling asleep. He cares about doing his very best in making class interesting and encouraging every student.
He keeps in contact with his students and colleagues and very rarely turns down opportunities to share his knowledge or take time to get to know a student, advise them in various fields or college life and write beautiful letters of recommendation and encourage them. It’s hard to keep up with all his projects he has going and he works so hard. I do know he has a book forthcoming on God’s love and happiness.
Last Friday night after a week of regular teaching and working furiously on side projects He gave a talk he’s been asked to give on the value of disability & medical ethics to doctors of nursing. He strives to be an example of being a devout Christian and excels in using his intellect generously. When he disagrees with views he often uses questions or expresses his view calm, clear, and in a confident way.
As I said to Anita, I really appreciate that you see the value in the work your husband is doing as a father, professor, husband, and Catholic. The issue of medical ethics and disability is a critical topic, that is for sure, and I am grateful for professors that can support students in engaging in these difficult conversations. He is lucky to have you.