So the whole idea of “prison” might seem a little strong for our purposes, but as a loose analogy, it works.
Because though I’ve never felt imprisoned in my life, there have been times when I felt trapped. Stuck. As a wife, as a mother, as just me.
There’s that moment when we realize that marriage, having a family, or life in general doesn’t look like what we thought it would; followed by that twinge, “There’s no turning back.”
And there’s no more humbling moment than experiencing the permanence of one’s own situation, warts and all.
But it’s at the heart of that moment when the Lord affords the most hope. It’s at the heart of that moment when humility is born and we can either fight those duties to which we committed ourselves (and be miserable) OR we can open our eyes to something that is far greater than we are on our own.
Thank the Good Lord that humility bears service. It’s not that we realize how lowly we are, but how blessed, loved, and precious we are along with everyone else. When I see more clearly that every soul God entrusted to me is far more prized in His eyes than I realized, that feeling of being stuck dissolves into understanding that service to these people is a privilege, regardless of how difficult it is or isn’t.
It’s serving those closest to me that’s the hardest. Sometimes I think if I have to change one more dirty diaper or even think about what we’re having for dinner, I’ll lose it. But just like the dishes, it’s where God will make me a saint if I accept.
Do you have a quotation from a saint you’d like to see here? Email me at katie{at}thecatholicwife{dot}net.
See the Monday Morning with the Saints Pinterest Board for more wisdom.
I love this! Thank you. What a gift it is to be reminded how God’s children are being entrusted into your care. That thought makes reading books, not ones of your choosing, for two hours straight a little more enjoyable.
Everything you’re writing, Katie, makes me feel like I have a kindred friend out there who just knowwwss. Beautiful and I totally get this!
Beautiful and so so true. Thanks for sharing your experience- I think it’s the experience of many of us, and it’s nice to hear it from another woman “in the trenches”.
Ahhh…so true. I think a lot of us have felt stuck in some form and it’s good to just talk about it to bring it into the light of discussion. Thanks for your comment, Christina!