Blessed is the family
I felt so blessed during the beatification of Pope John Paul II. Perhaps because he once blessed my daughter at the Raigiubeleo celebration of the Jubilee for Children at the Vatican on January 5, 2001. It is indeed a blessing that a family member was touched by the Blessed Pope. I was deeply comforted upon reflecting on his thoughts on marriage and family. His teachings made me appreciate the trials and tribulations of our marriage as I recalled our 26th wedding anniversary, two days from now.
Marriage was not an easy journey, but my husband and I held on to our love and vows before God. Our union brought us three beautiful children, two with us to love and hold, the other to dream, cherish and love forever. Our bad times made our love even stronger. We made it this far for better or for worse and that calls for a celebration and a time for affirmation in prayers.
The teachings of Blessed Pope John Paul II on family life and marriage ring true to me. I take this opportunity to share some of his quotes and how it applied to us.
1. “The fear of making permanent commitments can change the mutual love of husband and wife into two loves of self-two loves existing side by side, until they end in separation.”
Butch, my husband, and I were “steadies” (a couple) for seven years before we tied the knot. On the first day we were together, he announced to the world that we were getting married. That made me laugh. He was only 18 years old. How could we make a commitment so early in our relationship? A simple declaration of love just made it a reality seven years after. We were committed even at a young age.
2. “To maintain a joyful family requires much from both the parents and the children. Each member of the family has to become, in a special way, the servant of the others.”
Each of us played a role in improving and nurturing ourselves. Just because we are parents does not mean we are the authority in parenting. Our children were the best teachers in parenting. It pays to listen to our children and understand their emotions in each growth stage.
3. “The great danger for family life, in the midst of any society whose idols are pleasure, comfort and independence, lies in the fact that people close their hearts and become selfish.”
Money seemed to be challenging as the kids grew up, and I gave up a lot of material possessions just to make ends meet. We knew our priorities and created a balance of pleasure and comfortable lifestyle. Even my children did not demand expensive gift items.
I believe these Christ-like principles are what every family needs in their lives. Trusting in God involves more than "this is what we should do.” It entails a change in our way of thinking and attitude. It's a personal discovery, really. It's a renewal of heart and mind – a transformation.
Our wedding vows are “till death do us part.” My husband and I often tell ourselves that we will love each other till eternal life. That’s only because our son in heaven gives us hope for eternal life. Till then, our love constitutes the principle of our entire life and with the help of divine grace, we look forward to more years of togetherness.
