Jacob and Hannah are at it again. They spent their lunch hour once again discussing their vocations. Hannah's desire to be a nun seems to be largely motivated by a need to be located where her twin brother cannot find her. I overheard her telling him that she just needs to be alone. (Mom, R, does this sound familiar?) Jacob said that he was definitely going to be a priest if only to follow her.
She said, "Well, Jacob, I know that this isn't true. Boys ALWAYS change their minds. Daddy once didn't want to marry Mom. He wanted to be something else but then he didn't want to be that thing and decided to marry Mom." (Dave spent three years in the seminary prior to meeting me.)
"So," she concluded, "Boys ALWAYS change their minds." This conclusion set her mind at rest and she returned to ordering her brothers to clean up the toys.
The vocation conversation was actually sparked by Jacob's reading of more Saint books. He read about St. Rose of Lima whose suffering brought her closer to God. He had asked me about this during a drive in the van and I had told him that suffering can bring one closer to God if we ask God to be with us in that suffering ... uhh, then I sort of got stuck because things were getting too complicated. So, I just told him to offer up any of his sufferings for those in need. The next day he told me that he was not going to watch TV until Jan.1st (about 4 days ). Jacob LOVES TV and I couldn't figure out what had motivated his decision. Today, I found out. I heard him explaining to Hannah how St. Rose had suffered for God.
He then said with great solemnity, "I have suffered too, Hannah." My ears perked up. "I have suffered for TV by not watching it so I have grown closer to God. I offered it up for all those who have never watched TV." God bless the TV-less.
1 comment:
this is one of the best J & H conversations vet and I look forward to discussing it with SR. Ilaria! When I pray for vocations now it will most definitely be for theirs!!!! Whatever God wills!
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