Several weeks ago, my twelve-year old son woke up on the “wrong side” of the bed. For some reason or the other, he was grumpy, uncooperative, lethargic, and absolutely negative. Call it preteen blues, capital BA (BAD ATTITUDE), or whatever “Martian” name you can think of! One thing for sure… it was absolutely irritating! You can probably guess how I dealt with the situation throughout the day – the nagging Mom (yup, that’s me, the good listener, the “patient” counselor, the parenting expert) was constantly at his back, telling him to do this, to do that, and to stop carrying a capital BA around the house! (Yikes…I think I’ve lost all my credibility by now!) By the end of the day, I was exhausted and totally spent from all that nagging.
When my husband Vic arrived home from work, I was a pile of nerves. It took only a slight provocative comment from him, and I immediately flared up. Before I knew it, I was grouchy, grumpy, touchy, and was giving every single person in the house my “You-better-not-mess-with-me-new-look!”
With a twinkle in his eyes, my twelve-year old son approached me, softly and jokingly whispered to my ear – “Someone has a BA now.” Before I could make a sharp retort, the little rascal disappeared from my sight!
It was a moment of realization and awakening on my part.
My good example had to lead the way. How could I teach my son the practice of Christian virtues of patience, of self-control, of good manners and courtesy, of being joyful in the midst of our ordinary daily living if I did not reflect these same virtues in my own conduct?
As Christians, if we are to be true to our calling to be salt and light to the world, our good example has to precede us. When we live in accordance with Christian virtues, when we make effort to be loving, patient, cheerful, understanding, forgiving to those around us, we shine like bright stars in this dark world. As St. Paul says in Philippians 2:14-15, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe…” Our lives will then be a sign by which people will recognize the spirit and love of Christ.
As I ponder on this event in my life, I cannot help but ask myself – Have I been a “bright star” illuminating Christ’s love to my son? Have my family and friends seen Christ in the conduct of my everyday behavior?
The greatest challenge of Christian life is this: other people have to see Christ in our everyday behavior. As children of light, may our conduct clearly reflect the lovable face of Jesus Christ.
(Note: This write-up first appeared in the Light of Jesus Pastoral Care Center newsletter several years ago.)
Ditas Español is a loving wife, mother, and servant of God. She is committed to the mission of caring for others through Pastoral Care. As one of the founders and currently the Directress of the Light of Jesus Pastoral Care Center, she journeys with the emotionally & spiritually wounded, and combines psycho-spiritual resources to bring them to healing and growth.
PRC- SW Lic No. 1757