Begin Again

I haven't had much ime for blogging, let alone maintaining online reading logs, etc. I am stealing a few minutes, while I nurse the baby to sleep and my other children finish breakfast, to blog with one hand. Well, I might have a few minutes, if the bickering in the dining room stops.

I just finished reading Ginny Seuffert's article, "Begin Again", in Seton's October 2007 newsletter. In the last paragraph, Ginny mentions that "St. Josemaria used to tell his followers after they fell short, 'Begin again.'" This seemed to be my motto throughout September.

This year, the best time for me to go grocery shopping is during my daughters' piano lessons (Costco runs occur on Saturdays). The problem is that I only have one hour to drive to the grocery store, get my four youngest out of the van, buy the groceries, buckle my children in their seats, put our purchases in the van, and drive back to the piano teacher's house. Realistically, this means that we have 30 minutes to complete our grocery shopping. The first time that we attempted our 30 minute marathon, we were fifteen minutes late to pick up the girls. The second time that we attempted our thirty minute marathon, I fell short. I told my children, "Just let me choose the apples. It goes a lot faster. I will get the cucmbers. We don't want to be late." We picked the girls up on time, but I knew that I had failed miserably and I needed to begin again.

The following week, my children helped me choose the fruits and vegetables. We were late picking up my older daughters, but the younger children and I were happy. There have been numerous other occasions during the past month when I have fallen short, but I know that through the Sacrament of Penance I can "Begin again."

Thank you, God, for the children who you have entrusted to my care and for the gift of the Catholic Church.