My Crown

The other day it was uncharacteristically cold for Texas.  So, as the bulk of our homeschool day, Felicity and I snuggled down into some warm blankets, good books, and hot drinks.  I worked on my one year Bible and Catechism reading plan (which is going to take me more than a year) and read In Conversation with God.  Felicity read her Picture Book of Saints, one of many books that she's currently reading.

We were sitting there in the quiet, enjoying the warmth and just being together.  The baby was taking a nap and the younger girls were playing quietly across the hall (this was rare, lest anyone think otherwise).

Suddenly so inspired, she glanced over at me and breathed, "Mama, I want to be a Saint."

This moment took my breath away.

"The raising of a house, or family, consists not in building up a fine residence and in storing up a great quantity of worldly possessions, but in the good education of children in the fear of God and in virtue. In this no pains or labor should be spared, for children are the crown of their father and mother." ~ St. Francis de Sales

She's not perfect, neither am I... nor is our family.  I'm sure she's said this to me before, and I know both her big dreams for her vocation and her faults; but something about that moment was a gift from God.  My sweet young girl humbles me.

"Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God.  Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." Mark 10:14-15

Maybe she gives me the courage to whisper, out of love and despite fear, in the depths of my soul, "Lord, I want to be a Saint."