The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
Upon my first glance at today’s readings, all I could hear was “Viva stop being so angry with your kids.” As I sit and think about who I get angry with the most, I sadly realize it’s them. I’ve read these Scriptures many times before. Each time I automatically relate the anger and forgiveness to some “other”—the employee who messed up my toddler’s Chick-fil-A order, the friend who put their foot in their mouth with a comment at a party. Personally, I find it easy to diffuse my anger, forgive and mean it with ease in those situations. I’m always trying to assume the best in others, and it works out pretty well.
Which is maybe why it’s so startling for me to read these passages and realize that I’m called to be “slow to anger” not just with strangers and friends, but with my children in my own home.
This realization came upon me as I also had been praying with the Beatitudes, particularly trying to uncover what it means to be meek. Which is not just being “quiet as a mouse.” Rather, it’s when someone who has authority and power over others chooses to move through legitimate frustration with gentleness and self-control. A meek mother chooses to be slow to anger. She disciplines with love, assuming the best in her child.
In Sally Clarkson and Sarah Mae’s book Desperate: Hope for the Mom who Needs to Breathe, a very poignant question is asked: “Is my priority discipleship and winning my children’s hearts for Christ, in love?”
I want to shout yes! Of course that’s my priority! If you’re a parent reading this, I’ll boldly assume it’s yours, too. But how can I do that when we are quick to anger? When I constantly chide? My anger quickly reveals a different priority. It reveals my lack of ability to remember what I’m doing here, who I’m discipling. Remembering Christ’s mercy on me and the little face in front of me can allow me to move through legitimate frustration with self-control. The goal is to remember what I’m doing here, not completely erase my anger.
“The Lord is kind and merciful” to all. My priority isn’t a spotless living room, perfectly tidied toys, or endless uninterrupted work time. It’s also not to be the perfect parent. My priority is for my kids to know and experience Christ’s love.
Viva Crouse is a wife, mom to 4, COO and lead trainer at Hypuro Fit. She's an advocate for women to become strong physically and spiritually so when God calls them to act, they can say "yes, Lord, I'm ready." When she's not chasing kids or changing diapers you can find her reheating creamy coffee, working out with friends, reading her latest book club novel, or dreaming of a salty margarita by the beach. You can find out more about what she does here!
