When someone asks me “What are you reading right now”? I wonder if it would be appropriate to laugh out loud. But then I realize, it’s a serious question, and many women are better at balancing their lives – and actually read books for their own pleasure.
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My answer to “What are you reading right now”? would be . . . “well, I started My Sisters the Saints about two months ago and Say Goodbye to Survival Mode about 3 years ago. I’m hoping to finish one of those books soon.”
Then I think, what I’m REALLY reading now is every Paw Patrol book we own; every Curious George story ever written; and whatever my son picks out before bedtime.
Well, not WHATEVER he picks out.
A few nights ago I told my four year old to pick out a book. He immediately picked Darth Vader and Son. . .
which I immediately took,
opened his bedroom door,
tossed it in the hallway and turned to him saying,
“pick another one”.
He asked, “Why”? I answered, “because that’s a daddy book.”
Hey, I didn’t say what I was thinking – I hate that book, it only makes sense to daddy because he has every Star Wars movie memorized. It’s great for a daddy/son bond.
My innocent son then goes back to the book shelf and looks through the books saying, “What’s a lady book? What’s a lady book?”
It cracks me up that he says “lady” and not girl, woman or mommy. But anyway, I answered, “anything else“.
He then picked a book with Big Bird playing a drum on the cover. It was great, because I had never seen that book before. It was “new” for both of us.
I honestly don’t know what my favorite book was as a child.
I can tell you though, there is one book that I read to my son that has become of favorite of mine because it makes us laugh, and we quote it whenever we see the watermelons in the supermarket. We don’t just love it because it gives us an inside joke when we are food shopping – he loves it because it’s Paw Patrol, I love it because it’s super short and easy to read.
This particular one is called “Chase’s Space Case“; but I really recommend these Step Into Reading books! They are fun and are very helpful in teaching children how to read! Our son also loves a Thomas the Train edition.
I wish I could say the reason why I need more balance is because I am constantly reading to my son instead of reading books that are more my reading level.
The truth is, what I’m reading now is . . . too much social media. I spend way too much time looking at my phone and getting sucked into my computer.
I need to find a balance.
Today I pray:
Dear Lord,
Help me, when I look at my hands, to see
less of my phone, or a keyboard;
and more of
my son’s hand;
my husband’s hand;
my Rosary;
food for my family;
and
folded hands thanking You.
Help me to remember that I need You more than anyone or anything.
Help me to serve you through the family and friends you gave me.
Amen
I recently became a part of an incredible group of Catholic Bloggers. These women are so inspirational, supportive and faithful.
So being on the phone, computer and social media isn’t always bad. It can be uplifting and extremely helpful.
Together, we decided to start a group for mothers that are doing their best to parent; and most especially, raise faithful, compassionate, Christian children.
We want to invite you to join us. We named the group the Zelie Group; because . . .
St. Zelie was the mother of St. Therese the Little Flower. Somehow, simple Zelie Martin raised a Doctor of the Church. It wasn’t because she was extraordinary– quite the contrary. She seems especially ordinary from what I’ve read. But she had faith. She was truly devoted and loving to her husband. She did her motherly duties with great love even in times of frustration.
St. Zelie has become an inspiration and a guide for me. I love how much she loved her husband. I love that she raised such holy women; especially one of my favorite saints, the Little Flower. I love that her witness reminds us that not all saints tame dragons or start a new religious order. Some kiss boo-boos, cut peanut butter and jelly sandwiches into four triangles and read stories. I can pray with my kids and take them to Mass. I can cultivate my garden with patience, trusting that God will help my little flowers bloom in His time.
The Zelie Group is a place to share this journey of Catholic motherhood with others who are trying to raise saints in the modern world.
In order to get to know one another, we in the Zelie Group are beginning a weekly link up called “Just Enough Info.” It’s an interesting paradox that in a time when people overshare on social media (TMI!), many are struggling to fit in and connect. Perhaps it’s time to start sharing JEI: Just Enough Info.
Kerry from Fishbowl Fortune
Share with us!
2. Which of your kids books do you wish would magically disappear? or Which of your kids books have you made magically disappear?
Ah balance! What an ever escaping sought after gem! Perhaps if I had better balance I wouldn’t have clicked the wrong button trying to quickly join your wonderful new link up and displayed that lovely linky-logo instead of a real picture. I’ve not been blogging for 8 years..not for so long I remember when link hops first came out… nope, not me. I think this is a fabulous idea and I’m so glad you ladies have started this up. Thanks for inviting others to participate! Heidi
1. I just finished “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. I am trying to read “Night” by Elie Wiesel, but can’t seem to get going 🙁
2. My kids are now 11, 13, & 16. I don’t remember what book(s) I hated or made disappear. I know that I could NOT read “I’ll Love You Forever,” “Peef the Christmas Bear,” “The Littlest Angel,” or “The Taste of Blackberries” without dissolving into ugly tears, so I just refused to read them. haha
3. My favorite book, when I was little, was probably a Dr. Seuss book. I loved “Go, Dog, Go!” and “Are You My Mother.”
Great post! I think we all could use a little more balance in our lives 🙂
Thank you Jessica!
I love your prayer. Don’t be so hard on yourself we all have our things that we need to unwind – for some it’s chocolate and wine and others a good book or a soak in the tub. I can’t remember the last time I had a bath but I read every night until I fall asleep. I’m currently reading the Book of Daniel (actually in the Bible), Mere Christianity, and The Space Between Us. I like to read a secular and nonsecular book simultaneously I find balance in that. I hope you’re well sweet lady.
Thanks Brittany! I’m so impressed with that line up with what you are reading now – inspiring! I hope you to are well sweetie!!
1. The Everyday Catholic’s Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours. Mind you I now have more uninterrupted time to read and that does come in time.
2. I didn’t need to make any books disappear, much of the time I read either Dr. Suess or told my own story that I made up.
3. The Littlest Angel was my favourite growing up and anything by Dr. Suess. I wrote short fairy tales with many titles – my favourite was ‘I Forgot’ but none were published, only performed at a local school and a podshow.
Awesome Alicia! I know, more time will come and I will miss these days! Have you thought of publishing your stories? ???