Keystone Moms

Moms, don't you feel like the keystone of your family? I do. Sometimes I don't want the responsibility, but it's mine none-the-less. The keystone - without which the house falls apart. An awesome responsibilty. Only in the past weeks am I beginning to realize the monumental influence I have and have had on my family. And I wish I'd done some things differently.

My own mom, who will be 90 years old next month, has always said that if a person does the best she can do at any given moment, then that is all she can do. She cannot second-guess her choices. Hindsight is 20/20. But when we moms are there with our children day in and day out we do what we need to do. I'm a great one to wonder, "What if?" I know it's stupid, counter-productive, but I still find myself doing it.

Maybe I'm finally old enough to stop. To truly take each day and just live it. I hope so. I do know the source of my strength; I'm not second-guessing Him. And I know where to find my living stones. I find them at daily Mass. They surround me. Mass is my "temple of living stones." It's taken me a long time to fully understand the importance of attending daily Mass.

Something was definitely missing in my life before I stepped foot into daily Mass. Once there, the void was filled. I felt it; I knew I belonged but still I second-guessed my choice. I could be doing things at home. Like what? Dishes??? Laundry??? Believe me, the dishes and laundry are still right here when I come home.

Daily Mass is something I do for me. All me. And it is the best habit I have ever formed. I encourage you to take the plunge to attend Mass more than one day a week if you are in the position to do so. It took me until my children were quite old before I began the practice. It centers me. I can't imagine my life without it. Many days I still go a little bonkers, but without daily Mass I'd go a lot bonkers! Life's just a matter of degrees.

~ Maureen :)
4/13/09 New Life in Jesus