Catholics and Christians have something that is rather unique. The fact is we learn not only from what is taught in the Bible and in the case of Catholics, the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We also tend to learn by the example set by others around us. Friends, family, other people that we look up to and admire. We follow the lessons that they teach us. Even when they may not always realize it.
Over the years of my life I have learned much about what it means to be Catholic. One of those people who I have learned a lot from is my own mom. I have learned about the faith though her eyes and though the challenges she has face. Over the last twenty years or so. My mom has had to face some difficult health issues. With the road being way more difficult than most would ever realize or understand. It is the kind of up hill climbs that give someone more questions to life than answers.
I have found in my mom a deeper level of faith most do not see easily. A witness to what God has done for her though out her life. A understanding that God's will be done and that sometimes it is just a matter of riding out the storm. Even when that is challenging itself. Sometimes the road takes us down a path of endless frustration and bitter sadness. Yet my mom has always held out a strong faith that never seems to waver. She knows that she is a child of God and that He is always with her.
It is the kind of lessons that I hope I can take to heart in my own walk with Christ. To follow the examples of what I have seen in this life. In ways most may not even realize. The people around us teach much about our walk in the path of Christ. I pray every day that I can put those lessons into practice. To never give up hope in the time of challenge. To embrace God's will. Even if we cannot always see the path in front of us.
