We attempt to get to church regularly with the boys. I say attempt because honestly we miss more than we attend most months. Sometimes when we manage to get there (at the right time ... oops, our church starts at 9 a.m. not 9:30 a.m.), we walk out feeling more frustrated than filled. Fortunately, we belong to a welcoming parish, where it's not uncommon to get words of support following mass.
Today my support came from one of the songs we sang at church, that referred to the Beatitudes. The thought had crossed my mind during mass that the Beatitudes carry a message of hope for Teddy.
Here are the Beatitudes:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward is great in heaven.
And here's what I take away:
Although many things in this life will be challenging, I take hope in the fact that Teddy's path to heaven will not. Because of how God designed him, he is pure in heart and will forever remain pure in heart. I know this probably isn't true in a theological sense, but as a parent I almost feel that God made Teddy perfectly in a way that the devil cannot touch him. Perhaps that's why there are days that are so hard for me as a parent ... the devil knows Teddy's out of his reach, so he wants to provoke where he can with fear, doubt, anxiety, anger and such in me.
I also firmly believe that Teddy brings out the best in others. There are others who interact completely differently, in a positive way, with Teddy than they may otherwise. I believe Teddy gives others the opportunity to be merciful, so they can obtain mercy.
These are obviously my thoughts for the day, not any theological expertise. Still, I hope others may find some comfort in them as well.
You are amazing in sooooo many ways! You inspire me to be a strong and positive person! Teddy is a unique but wonderful child that I adore! He's very lucky to have you and Dave as parents as well as AJ as a brother! I love you all very very much!!!
ReplyDeleteOur family is blessed with an amazing child who brightens each one of our lives! His smile is contagious; we all need a little more "Teddy" in us! David and Kerry we are so proud of you! ~ Love, Mom & Dad
ReplyDeleteOur family is blessed with an amazing child who brightens each one of our lives! His smile is contagious; we all need a little more "Teddy" in us! David and Kerry we are so proud of you! ~ Love, Mom & Dad
ReplyDeleteKerry and Dave, thank you for starting this blog. We wonder so often how Teddy and the rest of you are doing and this keeps us up to date on all of you. You have the happiest little guy in Teddy and that is the gift from God to keep you strong and patient! You are all in our daily thoughts and prayers. Take care and glad we will be able to keep up with you on this blog :)
ReplyDeleteAunt Diane and Uncle Ed
Thank you for the kind words. We know we are blessed with amazing family and friends, which makes Teddy's journey immeasurably easier.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete