Winning Words 7/2/09
“We have to leave the kids in God’s hands. He has his own way of working.” (Father Mychal) As a priest, Mychal never pressured young people. He saw them doing things their own way, but he also saw God’s grace as always being with them. I’m enjoying reading The Book of Mychal. Sometimes we have a hard time letting God do his work. Some things never change. ;-) Jack

FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Yet we should not abandon the stewardship we bear regarding our children. Ephesians 6:4 instructs, "provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." It's our opportunity as parents to guide "the kids" into a life that avoids the mistakes we've made.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: God does His work but I think He expects us to cooperate. FROM JACK: I don't pretend to know God's expectations, but I expect you're right.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: I've seen gardens left alone to God's hands. A mess! Has he heard of the phrase that "God has no hands but ours"? FROM JACK: "Consider the lilies, how they grow...."

FROM D.M. IN MICHIGAN: I first discovered this quote when reading inspirational literature just after being diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. In every challenge there is a gift. I feel blessed to have been given so may gifts. FROM JACK: There are varieties of miracles, aren't there?

FROM D.P. IN MINNESOTA: An excellent reminder!

FROM P.H. IN MINNESOTA: i would only note that Priests, who have no kids of their own, may sometimes offer advice that is not always well tested in the crucible of life. however, on this point, i think the good Father is right on target. FROM JACK: If you read the book, you'll see that he spent more time in the crucible than most folks, married or not.