In the morning before work, one of my favorite books to read is Lives of the Saints by Fr. Alban Butler. For each day of the year it has a brief writing about the Saint of the Day, followed by a reflection that is a great help in my daily meditations.

I wanted to share two reflections from last week that really struck a chord as a father of young children. The first was from August 16th, The Feast of St. Joachim, Confessor...

Fathers have a hidden but most important part to play in the lives of their children. They can lead their children into paths of holiness and by so doing their own children may be for them a source of numerous spiritual blessings.

I could use all the spiritual blessings I can get! God's gift of my children is an amazing grace, one that I am thankful for each day. The least I can do in thanksgiving is to teach them to love God and help them grow up to be saints.

The second was from August 13th, The Feast of St. John Berchmans, Confessor...

Let us remember these beautiful words of St. John Berchmans: "If I do not become a saint when I am young, I shall never become one."

Both reflections really made me think about my children, and particularly their eternal souls. Many thoughts entered my head questioning my parenting and teaching, my relationship with their mother, how hard I was working, and so on. Was I doing enough? Was I doing everything I could or should be doing? Of course, the easy answer is no, as every day I find things I can do better and give more to God, my wife, and my children. But that answer made me realize that I had taken another step on my journey toward growing closer to God and eternal life with Him. By the Grace of God I realized that I wanted to do more spiritually and be a better Catholic, Husband, and Father. Moving forward, one small step at a time, is one of the most important things I can do for my wife and children.

St. Joachim and St. John Berchmans, Pray For Us!

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