1 1/2 months

A few years ago, my husband and my pastor both gave me advice that I hope I won’t ever forget. I was volunteering for various organizations and, due to comments from others, thinking that I was doing great things. My husband did not feel this way. He asked me if I could please stop. He felt that our family wasn’t thriving because my attention was focused elsewhere. I didn’t agree with him and so he asked me to ask our pastor his thoughts when he came for dinner that night. I happily agreed, thinking that Fr. S. would have no problem with my volunteering for two very worthy organizations. Pride goeth before the fall.

Almost 2 months

Fr. S. surprised me. When I asked him whether or not it was alright for me to continue volunteering, he said, “When you die, God won’t care about what organizations you have volunteered for. He will care how you have raised your children that he has entrusted to your care. And your husband (he said his name) counts for something too.”

2 1/2 months

Since that time, I have tried to keep my priorities in the right place: God, my husband, my children, homeschooling, preparing meals, cleaning, gardening, etc. And I am so much happier. My husband and children seem to be happier too. They know that I love them.

2 1/2 months

We are called to lead souls to Jesus Christ and bring greater glory to God. We can’t do that if our attention is focused elsewhere for large chunks of our time. May our Blessed Mother help us to always do God’s will!