When Adults Fail You

Adults have rightful authority over youth.  This principle is good because it is based on the truth that adults have more life experience on which to make good decisions.  But sometimes adults don't make good decisions.

It can be confusing, frustrating, and sad when an adult makes a decision that hurts you.  A teacher who is burned-out at his job and his wife has recently left him, can give you a low grade and not offer support to improve that grade.  A coach who is disgusted with losing several games in a row and is up all hours of the night with a baby, can demand you stay in the game even after you report an injury.  A parent who wasn't raised right, can struggle to do right by you.

Consider that you have options:

forgive.....forget.....work harder.....ask for help.....walk away......make a plan.....ignore bad behavior.....offer help.....keep your distance......work around it.....consider their hurt.....avoid feeling sorry for yourself.....love them.....pray......avoid revenge......find sympathy.....focus on something else......acknowledge what is right.....keep it proportionate.....don't repeat their wrong behavior.....prove them wrong.....be grateful for what is good.

When adults fail you, find your success by doing what is right.  You can do it!

Love,
Mom

A Sweet Treat for You

If I could hand you a freshly baked cookie from my oven right now, I would, and it would be your favorite - sweet, warm, and begging for a glass of milk or a cup of hot chocolate.  But since I can't, I'll share a quick recipe for a sweet treat that you can make.

Melt about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips in the microwave (and a microwave safe bowl) for about a  minute until melted.  Stir.

Mix in about 1/4 dried fruit, 1/4 rolled oats, 1/4 cup nuts.  Spoon or scoop onto tray.  Chill.  Eat.

Try different flavored chips, like peanut butter; different fruit like raisins, dried cranberries or cherries; different cereals. 

A sweet treat to cheer...for my sweetheart.

Love,
Mom

Better Than a Job

It's odd how much emphasis is placed on teens to prepare for getting a good job. Paid jobs, or fancier, careers have their place in life, and hard work is always commendable when directed toward good. Yet, there is so much more to the fullness and dignity of each person.

The Catholic Church uses the term "vocation" to describe our purpose that is deeper and more meaningful than any payment or particular skill. "Love is the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being" Catechism of the Catholic Church 2392. Pope John Paul II adds:

However within this common vocation that calls everyone to be conformed not to this world but to God's will (cf. Rom 12:2), there are different states of life and numerous vocations and missions.

The gift of the Spirit is the basis of everyone's vocation. It is at the root of the consecrated ministries of the Bishop, priest and deacon, who are at the service of ecclesial life. It is also he who forms and moulds the soul of those who are called to a life of special consecration, configuring them to Christ, chaste, poor and obedient. In the Spirit himself, who through the sacrament of Marriage surrounds and consecrates the union of the spouses, the mission of parents, called to make the family the first and fundamental expression of the Church, finds its strength and support. Lastly, the many other services oriented to building up and giving life to the community are nourished by the gift of the Spirit - Christian education and catechesis, care of the sick and the poor, human advancement and the exercise of charity. In fact, "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" (1 Cor 12:7).

Have a job?  Good.  Be grateful, do well, and use the income to provide for your needs and the needs of others.  Have a vocation?  Better!  Consider that each day prepares you for your adult life commitment.  That's priceless.

Love,
Mom