My Mother's Example

 

Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:7

Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy. -John 16:24

Have you wondered why my sisters and I sign off many of our post with the words Peace and Joy? (Surprise!) It's because of our mother. At the handshake of peace during mass instead of saying "Peace be with you" she would say "Peace and Joy" This simple phrase represented her life in Christ.

The roll my mother played in my spiritual life can not be under stated (as my many blog post about her will attest). Of course it's only in my old age that I have come to realize just what an important model she was for me. She showed me that loving Jesus didn't require you to become a glum, boring person that never had fun, but instead her surrender to God gave her the freedom to enjoy life and have a peace that truly surpassed all understanding. I pray that I can someday be that model for my children.

Peace & Joy,

Patty