Love that Suffers

I've been reading this book called " The Domestic Church, Room by Room" , by Donna Marie Cooper O' Boyle. The first chapter " The Foyer"  has peaked my interest for several reasons. One, its about our Most Holy mother, MARY! The model for all Christian motherhood. I love that she references the important "YES" that Mary gave God when she accepted WHOLEHEARTEDLY, and without doubt, that she would bring the Savior of the world. But what I am struck by most in this first chapter is the concept of "love that suffers". What does it mean?  Mary truly partook in every aspect of Jesus' pain and suffering. She is a mother who understands suffering. She is the new "Eve' being that she became the Mother of the whole Church at Jesus' request. We shouldn't be afraid to call on her as she knows all the pains and suffering that motherhood requires.

I also attended my monthly "mothering with grace" meeting today. The virtue of the month was hope. I feel that the chapter of my book, and this months virtue go hand and hand. I hope that I can learn to grow and emulate Mary. I hope that when my days become overwhelming, that I can remember to call upon her. I find it amazing that the same Holy Spirit that came to Mary at the Annunciation, is there for me to call upon too. DO I OFFER UP MY SUFFERING FOR THE SAKE OF LOVING MY CHILDREN THE WAY GOD HAS CALLED ME TO? I truly believe that my vocation is motherhood. Do i fulfill it to the best of my God given ability? Most days, no. Some days I come close, but fail at the end of day, usually putting my kids to bed. When my children look at me, are they seeing an image of the divine? I hope the do, but I really cant say.

I am writing this because Mike and I are having the hardest time with Max. He seems to be out of control when really...he is just doing what he sees Mike and I doing. He responds to us they way we REACT to him. Why am I not utilizing the gift I have been given the this PERFECT example of motherhood? Jesus himself was both fully man and fully God, so at some point in time he must have behaved like a toddler would. At some point in time, he must have been mischievous, and Mary must have had to discipline Him, right? There must be SOMETHING God wants all mothers to understand by having our children be toddlers, and all the other joyous phases of life! So, why then do I feel so ill equipped to deal with them? I learned alot of useful tips at my MWG meeting, and I am definitely looking forward to putting them into practice, but i still wonder...do I offer my sufferings up for the sake of love, even when I am equipped to handle whats happening? Do i truly show my children the face of Christ when i try to lead them to Him?

it something I have to work on. its something my husband has to work on. its something we can only fix with Gods loving grace and Mary's eternal hope that I too can be called to holiness in the sublime role of raising my children. Mary's holiness was rooted in her faith...that's my goal!