Parenting.

I have found nothing more rewarding or humbling then being a parent. Time after time, I see how God must feel as he “raises” me and how the mistakes our children make are to us as our mistakes as parents are to God; and how his love and forgiveness of our imperfections should never be forgotten.

This time of year is very busy for my family, especially on the weekends now that my daughter’s AAU basketball season has begun. Therefore consistently attending mass from April to June is put at risk since the tournaments are Saturday/Sunday, and usually out of town.

When we do make mass during tournaments, we are in such a rush that we can forget to bless ourselves upon entry to the church. Slouching in the pews, being distracted and not always wearing our Sunday best is evidence of life’s great balancing act we are performing.

Megan’s most recent tournament demonstrated that “knowing” the word can be different then “living” the Word.

The tournament was in Saratoga. It began on Saturday with 9am, 1:30pm, 3:30, 5:25pm pm game times…Saturday mass was not an option. Sunday games were 8:30am and 1:30pm. Although the tournament was in Saratoga. Amy and I decided 11am mass on Sunday was possible.

Therefore, I would drive Megan to the first game at 8:30am, and drive back to pick up Amy and Matthew for the 11am mass, and then back to Saratoga for the 1:30pm game…a lot of driving. As we rushed into 11am mass, we were handed the fish, symbolizing we would bring the “gifts” to Father when the time came. Clumsily I accepted, not knowing the irony that would soon unfold.

As the second collection finished, it was time to bring up the “gifts”. I leaned over and said “let’s all go up as a family today”. We got up and headed to the back of the church. Just then, I noticed Megan’s basketball sweatshirt… my heart sunk. Not only was it clear from our attire that we had just rushed from a basketball tournament to church, but we would now walk down the aisle with the “gifts” and a sweat shirt proclaiming “Basketball is Life”. Quickly we delivered the gifts and sat down. I immediately was embarrassed, frustrated and even angry with everyone, especially with myself.

• How could we let other things make us unprepared for mass?
• Why didn’t I plan better so we could’ve changed attire before?
• Why did I accept bringing up the gifts?

As I sat and pondered these questions, a calmness came over me. A feeling that these were not the questions God was asking me, In fact, the only person judging me was me. I relaxed, took a breath and appreciated my perfect imperfection.