Right after my husband got commissioned, we moved to Ohio for our first duty station. I was struggling to find work in my field, so in the meantime, I worked as a substitute teacher.
That can be a very interesting job. One day you’re with giggly kindergartners and the next day you’re with surly high schoolers.
I loved working with the little ones. They were so eager to know you and be close to you. During break times, I would tell them the bedtime stories my dad told me as a kid and they would sit at my feet enraptured. As soon as I was done telling it, they would beg to hear it again. I loved how much they loved life and they tried to squeeze every ounce of joy from it. I loved their childlike perspective.
The high schoolers, well, they were a different story. They barely made eye contact with me. No matter what I said, they feigned disinterest in order to show me they didn’t care. They were rude, grumpy, bored, and just unpleasant, in general. They didn’t want to know me or learn from me. What saddened me the most was that so many lacked a light in their eyes. Joy was hard to come by. Even though they were older, many times, they acted very childish.
Isn’t this just like our faith life? We start out filled with vigor and smiles. Our love for the faith is intoxicating and we just want to sit at Christ’s feet and let Him love us. We trust Him, we love Him, we want to know Him. We look around and want to squeeze out all the goodness of this life.
Sadly, for many, they lose that joy and wonder. Life happens and in our trials and burdens we think God has abandoned us and so we become bitter and grumpy. Childishly, we whine about everything and demand our way. We become surly like a child that needs a nap.
Christ wants us to be childlike, Catholic Pilgrims, with a trust and delight in Him just like the kindergarteners had with me. When we approach our Faith that way, more and more will be revealed to us which deepens our relationship with God.
Live the faith boldly and travel well this Tuesday.
