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Road to Purity
Slowing Down
We currently live in a society where the “rat race” begins early. I say that with a smile because I’m sure I’m guilty of it, too! I remember when my daughters were little and attending “play group” with other young mother’s like myself. We had a lot of fun watching our kids grow and enjoying “play time”. Every moment of growth was astonishing. Watching the babies “roll over” for the first time, crawl and eventually walk. It was quite a joy!
At the same time spending moments with other friends and enjoying children together is a moment to slow down. I recall searching for my own “virtue” when moms would begin to compare our babies. These are moments to “slow down” and see the good in the moment instead of worrying about what others may think or feeling defensive about our own kids or ourselves. Life can be like that too. As we journey along, we can choose to be on the defensive and constantly seek the approval of our family members and peers, or we can be guided by the Holy Spirit and choose virtue instead of vice.
The next time I am in a similar life situation, I hope to be able to see the good and “slow down” in precious moments. I may not be surrounded by a group of 30-something young moms with babies crawling around a room, but there is still very much to observe and be grateful for in whatever setting I may find myself. As we grow in life, we will always have a choice in the moment. Will I seek virtue and slow down my thought process or will I worry and be defensive about my personhood? God already knows I am worthy of love and don’t’ need to prove anything to anyone. That same message is for you TOO!
Reflection: Think about where you are in your life journey. Are you in a busy time perhaps raising kids or helping others on their journey? Are you in a period of success or of desolation? Ponder now the road you are traveling. This is a moment in time. God is with you. Reflect on your own virtue. Patience and gratitude is just a prayer away. Take a moment in pause in all that is good. We are all living a path with God and with the Holy Spirit. Make a commitment to the Lord to give him a silent heart especially when vice creeps in whether in others or in yourself. I’ll be praying too.
Dr. Anne DeSantis (ThD) is a dynamic Catholic author and speaker from the Greater Philadelphia area, holding a doctorate in theology from Pontifex University (2024). As the Executive Director of the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith (www.Nonnatus.org), she helps leads pastoral outreach to families in crisis. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Anne deeply treasures her Catholic faith and passionately shares it through catechesis, focusing on reaching out to the marginalized. She is also a member of the Catholic Speakers Organization. To learn more about her faith journey and mission, visit www.AnneDeSantis.com.
