Oxygen for the Soul
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This week, I made a somewhat spur-of-the-moment decision to fly out to Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress—no booth set up for me just yet, maybe one day! On the plane, as I listened to the flight attendants detail the safety instructions, one directive struck a chord: "In the event of an emergency, put on your own oxygen mask before helping others."
This safety tip sparked a reflection on its parallel with prayer, especially as a father and husband dedicated to leading my family towards heaven—a goal central to any vocation. But here lies a fundamental truth: we cannot give what we don't have. Quite frankly, how can we bring others to God if we don't have a relationship with Him?
This realization was a driving force behind creating the Examination Journal and the Little Prayer Journal. I discovered that my own prayer life needed structure, something tangible to keep me engaged daily, something that echoed the profound yet simple prayers of the Saints.
The Little Prayer Journal was born from a need I saw in my daughter. After struggling to explain daily prayer to an 8 year old, I realized she needed more than words; she needed to see action. This journal has allowed her to explore her own conversations with God, mirroring the routine she sees in her dad.
In nurturing our spiritual life, we essentially secure our "oxygen masks," enabling us to assist those around us more effectively. Whether it’s through a structured journal or a few quiet moments of reflection, establishing this foundation is crucial.
I encourage each of you to consider your spiritual practices. How do you maintain your connection to God amidst your daily responsibilities? Remember, every day offers a new beginning to deepen our relationship with the Lord and, by extension, to lead others by our example.
This safety tip sparked a reflection on its parallel with prayer, especially as a father and husband dedicated to leading my family towards heaven—a goal central to any vocation. But here lies a fundamental truth: we cannot give what we don't have. Quite frankly, how can we bring others to God if we don't have a relationship with Him?
This realization was a driving force behind creating the Examination Journal and the Little Prayer Journal. I discovered that my own prayer life needed structure, something tangible to keep me engaged daily, something that echoed the profound yet simple prayers of the Saints.
The Little Prayer Journal was born from a need I saw in my daughter. After struggling to explain daily prayer to an 8 year old, I realized she needed more than words; she needed to see action. This journal has allowed her to explore her own conversations with God, mirroring the routine she sees in her dad.
In nurturing our spiritual life, we essentially secure our "oxygen masks," enabling us to assist those around us more effectively. Whether it’s through a structured journal or a few quiet moments of reflection, establishing this foundation is crucial.
I encourage each of you to consider your spiritual practices. How do you maintain your connection to God amidst your daily responsibilities? Remember, every day offers a new beginning to deepen our relationship with the Lord and, by extension, to lead others by our example.