Faustina and College
I just finished watching this beautiful film, part of my Lent Movie strewing.
For those not familiar with Faustina, it is the story of a young nun who has visions of Christ, telling of his Divine Mercy. She struggles with the visions and how to carry out his messages. She is a simple girl, of deep faith.
Watching this, now during this Lenten season has me reflecting. Just last week I had been caught up (again) in the demands or perceived demands of the world, especially as it comes to educating our kids. SATs. Transcripts. Demands by the world. Need to be 'ahead' in technology and science. What our kids will need to make it in this world.
Sometimes the duality of the world we live in become difficult. On the one hand we are trying to live the faith and guide our children, trusting that God will make connection with them, they will make connection with God and find their path.
On the other hand we lay awake at night worrying about them getting into college and landing a good job.
When you see a story such as Faustina's where a simple uneducated girl carries out a tremendous mission, you see what purpose she has in life. All the chasings of the 'knowledge' of the world seem fleeting.
Can we introduce our children to great ideas, model learning, model faith and trust the rest to God? Why do we fear?
Is it that we see young (and old) adults floundering in this world. Unhappy, on the wrong track, with no good prospects, so doubly miserable?
But, if we preach college-is-a-must/good job/great pay, are we increasing that fire to have what the world can offer, thereby helping to create miserable adults-- those who can't get the riches of the world?
How do we lay out the table of bounty... Including college and good jobs, but do so as options- worldly options that may or may not be their course. How do we help our children find the inner path first, knowing if they don't achieve what Wall Street tells them is precious, they can find happiness?
And, how do we help our children not fear suffering, running from it if it should come to pass.
These questions are rhetorical, or maybe not. I hear over and over that the best way to teach is to model. Am I modeling the acceptance of God's will, including suffering as a blessing, but also the fabulous joy in all the worldly blessings he might give us, including the pursuit of knowledge?
Pondering such things this Lent. And enjoying the movies that are taking me to different places and times to see some holy persons' encounters with God and the world.
posted by Cindy at 5:39 PM
7 Comments:
Oh, what a beautiful post, Cindy. So many thoughts to ponder. Not sure I can be brief. :)
I believe that while knowledge of this world is beautiful and a noble goal to pursue, I believe it is sometimes misplaced. I've thought about this much for myself and for my kids. I think knowledge is only beautiful and useful to the extent it is an exploration of God and his creation. When that is lost it becomes a goal that takes us away from God.
So for our kids I think that means having straight in our own heads what the pursuit of knowledge is so we can model a proper perspective. It should not be a ticket to a good job. God will provide for our needs (not necessarily our wants). Knowledge should be a way to know and love and serve him better. That's it. If through that our kids end up prepared for a high paying job on Wall Street so be it. That's God's will for them and there's a way they're meant to serve there. If instead our kids end up being part of the housekeeping staff at a hotel, so be it. God's will works in this situation too and they'll serve God equally well there. That's tough to hear. I think we all want the high paying, well-respected job for our kids rather than the janitorial job. I'm just not convinced one is in eternal terms objectively any better than the other when both are performed for the glory of God.
The modelling question is tough. We are not perfect in our example and guidance no matter how hard we may want to be. We're going to fall. We're going to take missteps along the way and our children are going to see it. The best we can do, I think, is be thoughtful and prayerful and continue to get up when we fall and change course when we realize we're headed in the wrong direction. Our children will see and take note of these efforts.
This is what I believe. Does that mean that I never have anxiety attacks about where my kids will end up? HA! Yeah right...and my oldest is only 12. Yet I think my anxiety attacks are stumbles. They are places that I need to pick myself up from rather than places I need to stay. I think you are right on, Cindy. The simple and the wise both have gifts to offer the world. Our children will probably be somewhere in the middle and if they keep their eyes toward God they will end up just where they're supposed to be even if they stumble or veer off course occasionally while on their way.
Richelle
ps apparently I couldn't be brief. i hope I didn't take up all your comment space. feel free to edit me. :)
Great post, Denise!
Cindy,
As always your insights are amazing! I, as you know, have struggled with this very topic. You have listened to my struggles, probably more than any one person should have to.
I am realizing now that "I" can want so much for my children, but ultimately, the children have the gift of free will, and God's plan is usually not in line with mine. Probably a good thing.
All we as parents can do is as you say, model. Model that we are human. Model that God forgives us and that we can accept that. Model love.
Of course, we will still strive to provide the enviroment that best supports that which we hope our children will desire in their lives. We will still struggle for the best way to educate their minds as God has entrusted that responsibility to us.
Sometimes, well honestly, most times, I wonder if I am doing the kids much good, but I do know that they have brought me to a deeper relationship with Christ, a greater acceptance of my human-ness, and a better understanding that I am living the vocation that God has called me to.
Thanks for your comments, Richelle and Karen... you have given me much food for thought.
Thanks for your comments, Richelle and Karen... you have given me much food for thought.
Cindy,
A wonderful, beautiful post (and thanks for the movie recommendation.)
Yes, I think it's a continual struggle to find the right balance in what our children need from us. Perhaps it goes back to the old adage about working as if all depends on us, but praying as if all depends on God. Ultimately, of course, all DOES depend on God, but He also calls us to be coworkers in His vineyard. So, I think we and our children have to strive to be, first and foremost, praying for, and listening to, God's will for our lives. We have to strive for constant vigilance: "What does God want me to do here?" Though, of course, it's often so hard to hear His answers. :-) But, if he gave some of our kids amazing brains for science, they have a responsibility to use their intellect for His glory. Has he given someone an amazing ability with finances? How should they use that for His glory? Can another child, with a gift for writing, or for empathy, or for teaching, use that for God's glory? How and where? These are the questions I ask myself -- for me, and for my children. Of course I don't have all the answers ... :-) but I work, within our family, to strive for this questioning attitude: "How does God want me to use this-or-that talent?" and "How does this glorify God?" I think that if we keep directing our children down such a road, they'll be growing up with ears open to hearing His will for them.
Cidny, I loved your discussion.
I really don't think there must be a dichotomy between living God's will and getting into unviersity and getting a good job. I think we can blend the two - I know I always think that excellence and perseverence can be Godly attributes and that maybe my sons can make a difference in the world through their world of work - through gaining a degree and gaining positions where they can help make a difference.
How to foster this? By talk and by our examples and by encouragment to "go for the burn"?
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