Going to the pig show last evening, and seeing all the families gathered and working together on their livestock projects... reminds me of the beauty of 4H, and the way that it brings the family together. Then add the cuteness factor of little kids, little animals... like the puppy that we all petted and held, and all the dynamics of FAMILY. It's a beautiful thing!
Simon's dad was there to give Simon a loving lesson on how to handle Spot his pig... Paul showed from when he was a little guy like Simon, and now he has the joy of sharing it with his sweet son! Simon said that he liked his first experience, and cluthes a Tshirt and a ribbon that each kid was given for making the effort to do something new! He sure had a nice and gentle pig to start with.
Simon's siblings watch with interest and silliness... the "4H family"of passing it down from the oldest to the youngest has begun, and for us has been passed on the the next generation. We smile knowing that this will be a life-lesson and gift to our grandchildren as they go forth into life and learn to work together, and learn about the world around them through their projects and interests, and most of all that they are in a family with all the ups and downs that comes with working with unpredictable livestock and caring for them.... they learn responsibility and obedience to those in authority over them...
The judge asks Simon questions about his pig... dad can help this year. How wonderful that Paul can share his knowledge and love of his years showing with his oldest son! We all know how important it is to share our faith with our kids in our home, and by taking them to mass with us weekly... or even daily as my daughter, Maria, does! That is why our homes are called "the Domestic Church." That is where our faith takes root and flourishes!
Mom encourages Simon to touch his pig and to get acquainted with it... By our joy and love of Christ and His Church, we encourage our kids to "see" Christ in his Word and Sacraments! That was one thing that was so powerful about France... the way that at every time of prayer or mass... that it was so evident to all of us that Christ was present in the way that He was greeted with song and with reverence! The long silent prayers on their knees after receiving him in the Eucharist, and the joyous "Halleluias" with hands upraised...that welcomed Him in the Word, as it is processed forward with candles and incense! There is no doubt that this is GOD!
Mom and dad are there to help Simon get through a new, and maybe a bit nerve wracking time of showing an animal in ring, with many people watching! He feels their love and support and guidance, as he gets out of his comfort zone... like a small bird spreading its wings and leaping out the nest, with the help and encouragement of its parent birds! Simon glowed, and looked cool, and confident, and had a smile on his face as he, with the help of dad, followed Spot the pig around the ring.
I think that next year... Simon will be happy to go to the fair knowing that he will be showing a pig again, and will even stretch to want to show a calf or even a larger cow! Baby steps in growth... so much love, from those around him, is so much a part of the whole thing! It is a lesson to us as we guide our children in matters of faith - the most important part of life- Take sharing of faith in our homes in small, loving and joyful steps...sharing the lives of the saints, the rosary and Our Lady there to answer our pleas and share us with her loving and forgiving Son, Jesus Christ, and reading the wonderful Word of God with them... so many amazing Bible stories that help us know and follow HIM in our lives! But over and above... is to worship every week as a family, and to demonstrate your love, and the Truth that Christ is truly present in His Word and in His Body and Blood! Greet His Word with great JOY, and fall on your knees in homage to HIM in HIS BODY AND BLOOD!
Mary sees how great Simon is doing, and she is proud and happy for him, and he is modeling for her.. what she will be doing next year too! Thank you Lord, for all the ways that we have to help our children to know you, and to know the value of family, and giving one to the other. We are filled with such gratitude for our life on the farm, and to have our little family so close. Thank you, and may we always appreciate the blessings of this world, and take very seriously the raising of Lights to shine forth... to give light to all those that they come in contact with! Faith, family and farm - life is a gift of immense proportions, and we thank and praise you now and forever! Jesus, we trust in you! Amen and Hosanna and Halleluia!
Bless-bless, Barb"Jesus tells us, 'You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.' " Matthew 5:13-14
" That is what our Lord reveals about us. We are salt and light, not for ourselves, but for others. Jesus has our happiness at heart. He shows us what brings about the completeness we crave. Happiness comes by giving of ourselves, by sacrificing ourselves. The true greatness of any human being consists in a consuming of oneself for something. When the completeness and satisfaction we expect out of life go lacking, isn't it because we have been stingy with our gift of self?"
Fr Peter John Cameron in an Editorial... see http://www.magnificat.com/
Pat teaching Hallel and little Sister Mialese about engines in small pickups...
Hallel teaching us about the JOY found in the presence of Christ!
Mary takes grandma's camera to take one of mom with the puppy...
Cute alert!
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