"Lessons" From a Mother's Heart to Her College-Bound Daughter: Step Outside the Box

We will be helping our youngest daughter, Grace, make the first-time move on campus in just a few days.  In all the excitement and chaos, how do I slow time to put into words she will hear, the things so important for her to know and understand?  Holy Spirit, come.  Fill my heart that I might convey these lessons that are monopolizing my worried heart; and permeate her heart to hear what You want her to hear. 

I have always tried to teach through my own feeble example the importance of having many layers to your onion.  What do I mean by this?  I feel life is so much richer and fuller when I fill it with new experiences.  Each day I’ve tried to be available for opportunities.  My women’s bible studies, teaching catechism, running marathons, writing, pottery class… these are just some examples of ways I’ve chosen to challenge myself.  

Life is such an amazing gift.  I believe God asks all His children to live and embrace this gift fully- spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, physically.  Each person will do that differently, as each human is a unique creation, with their own interests and goals. Of course, with that comes sacrifice and struggles sometimes.   

My prayer for you, Graciebeth, is that you live in the habit of stepping outside the box each day.  We can only develop when we move beyond our comfort zones.  It may be comfortable and safe in that little box, but there is no room for growth there.  Distance running, as an example, has really helped me see this. It’s about crosses.  It’s about overcoming the ordinary fear and suffering that plagues each human soul in this race through life.  There is a tremendous value in our crosses. In life you must always be setting targets and pushing yourself to reach them despite pain, fear, or the daily setbacks involved with the spiritual and emotional and physical battles we are all called to fight.

All the good stuff you will have in life only comes through embracing the various crosses needed to accomplish your goals.  As I’ve told you before, no one will hand you anything.  If it is worth it, it will come at a cost.   

I’m praying, too, that you will step outside your comfort zone to make new friends.  A life filled with healthy relationships can’t happen if we don’t allow ourselves to become vulnerable.  This is tough when you have been burned before, I know, but I pray you have the courage to be open to meeting new people. 

Finally, in this process it’s important not to focus on only one thing at the detriment of other areas of your life.  “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”  To truly live a rich life the whole person must be challenged.  Keep balance in your life; strive to challenge yourself with exercise, a rich prayer life, and relationships.  Have a great journey, Grace, and know I will always be cheering you on.

Jesus, Giver of every good gift, pour down Your amazing blessings on our Grace, that she will always embrace life’s challenges and grow every day in holiness.  Amen.

Hail, Mary…