Catholic Online Forum

Thought I would put a toe in the water and see if there is any interest in sharing those aspects of our lives where we do small acts of love and kindness for loved ones, friends or strangers.

Last night I was enjoying the presidential debate when my 17-year-old daughter announced that she needed me to help quiz her for a test. I was a bit short with her because I didn't want to miss the debate, but I complied. This morning I feel badly that I was grumpy...

This morning for me was a fairly typical example--my youngest son forgot to take a poster for his school project to school with him. So, I responded to a call from my wife while on the way to my office to turn around, go home, get the poster, and take it in to the school. Not a big thing, but . . . sometimes our lives are in the details. This is not the first time he has forgotten something, and I'm sure it won't be the last.

_________________
AdamS

Gather up In the arms of your love—Those who expect No love from above.
- Langston Hughes (1902-1967)

In every situation where choice is involved, we must choose which act is more important at the time, whether the act may be postponed, etc. One aspect of "small acts of sacrifice," in my opinion, is, if we are doing them "correctly," we are not able to recall them to mind very readily, nor do we dwell on them, because they should be routine, a habit. We forget them quickly.

_________________
Dean
Most people's sense of history goes back to breakfast time - Benjamin Netanyahu

I tend to agree, Dean....ideally.

I've been struggling myself with trying to do things for the best reasons. I won't go into detail, but the things my wife thanks me for, I feel as if I am unworthy of because I did them for unworthy reasons.

But this morning she gave me an opportunity to serve her by taking our son to school on my way to work (she usually does this so I can sleep in a bit later; I have the later shift at work). I did it without thinking, without consideration of my tiredness or agenda, I just did it because I loved her and she was feeling bad and I wanted to help her.

On reflection, it was a nice consolation that I am not QUITE as selfish as I often think I am.

Now, as you say, I need to make that a habit, so it is normal and routine and not remarkable at all. You would think I'd be there already, 25 years of walking with Jesus. But we remain sinful, fallen people. Some more than others...

_________________
Jeff Stevens

Jeff,



I count myself among them! Among the worst. A way to break out of selfishness perhaps is to pause briefly before every choice we make to consider which is the "more loving" act, considering that we are also worthy of love from ourselves too. Love, of course, being what is done for the true good of the person, not ego-stoking. But perhaps we should commit to that moment of pause. If we do it consistently, then that need for pause goes away because we begin to make habitually the "more loving" choice.

_________________
Dean
Most people's sense of history goes back to breakfast time - Benjamin Netanyahu

Yes, they do fade rapidly into memory. I agree that it is good to pause before taking a particular action and consider for whom we are doing it. This can sometimes get tricky when something might facially benefit another, but may also pander to a selfish impulse.

_________________
AdamS

Gather up In the arms of your love—Those who expect No love from above.
- Langston Hughes (1902-1967)

Adam, I like this topic...

I was trying to get out of the recliner and back into my wheelchair so I could greet our just arrived company when my two and a half-year-old greatgrandson came in to my room to show me his new toy.

When he saw me struggling to do this, he immediately dropped his toy, ran over to me and grabbed my hand to help me.

I can't remember how I was able to get out of the recliner and into my wheelchair with him holding my hand but I will always remember the very beautiful and proud look on his face.

He honestly thought he 'rescued' me from falling...and maybe he did.


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

I suppose I have a loooooong way to go when it comes to doing these small acts habitually and joyfully for that matter. I know I'm being presented with the opportunity to do one when it's something I don't want to do, when it is an annoyance or inconvenience. I try to take advantage of those opportunities without making my annoyance known. Every now and again I fail and give someone a look or the loud sigh. It's where I am...so I just offer up my irritation and do whatever I'm being asked for love of God and of the person requesting my help.

_________________
Rebecca