The happy medium.

It takes me a while to settle my mind down during my visit to the Blessed Sacrament. But once I managed, I spoke to Jesus about my number one problem. I can't seem to find the happy medium when it comes to my vocation as Wife, then mother of 4. The "What about ME" syndrome of this world seems to creep in every so often. When it comes to the running of the house I fail miserably, I try to get things done according to the needs of everyone, but then my passions start to arise. They raise their weary head and seem to be screaming at me. I've been reminded in confession lately that "PRIDE" was the sin I was dealing with. One of the seven deadliest sins.

Many people think that stay at home moms have it easy. Oh she stays home, she doesn't have to deal with the hard things in this world. She sits around eating bon bons and watches the soaps all day! Well like my Grandmother used to say "let me tell you one thing little girl". It's harder than you think. Imagine sitting in front of a mirror all day long looking at all of your imperfections. Trying to live a holy life, putting God first, and everything else in it's proper order isn't easy. My friend Monica, who I love to quote said, "Being Catholic isn't for wimps!" She is right. It is one thing to know the truth, but it is another to live it! I know God never said it would be easy, in fact He promised it would be a hard path to follow. It's focusing on the path that gets me through it.

Anyway, back to Jesus and my visit with Him. I asked Him, "where is the happy medium?" He told me "MY MOTHER". The easiest path to Jesus is through Mary, His mother. She didn't live her life screaming on mountain tops, "look at me" look at me", no she lived a secluded life. She stayed out of the lime light, and managed to do a wonderful job at raising her son (who really didn't need much help, I mean come on HE was God)!!!!! So what is it about her that made her the "happy medium" ? I will put this in my own words. If we understand that Happiness is not to be found in this world, and we also understand that Jesus created and chose Mary to be His mother, we could say, Jesus chose Mary to bring happiness into eternity. If Mary wouldn't have been a prayerful young lady and understood her faith, she may not have submitted herself to the will of God.

While raising Jesus, I know she felt the joys of motherhood. Watching him run and laugh, His first words, even when she found Him in the temple teaching the elders. (Well, after she got over the shock of loosing him for a couple of days!!!!) Just what am I getting at?? Well, if we are obedient women, constantly seeking to do God's will and putting all of our passions aside as Mary did it may not be all fun and games. It can be hard work and get tiresome. All for what???? To be ultimately happy in Heaven one day like God has promised us. She is our Happy Medium. She will bring us to the place we need to be spiritually to meet Jesus. If God chose her, why can't we? She is the Medium he chose to bring us Life! Let's make an effort to imitate Mary daily. Slowly dying to self. Slowly letting go of all our passions that try to control us. As promised, it won't be easy, but it is the surest path to Heaven! May God bless you all!

P.S. Notice that in the picture above, Mary is holding Jesus, the Shepard, and one of HIS sheep.