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Balancing the demands of motherhood with spiritual growth can feel like a Herculean task for many Catholic moms.
In the hustle of diaper changes and meal preparations, the yearning for a connection with God often takes a back seat. However, it doesn't have to be this way.
On this episode of A Thriving Catholic Podcast, host Jessica Castillo and time freedom coach Kelsey Pasquarell dive into the intricacies of nurturing both family and faith. Their candid conversation peels back the layers on service and prayer, revealing how even in the whirlwind of motherhood, moments for divine connection are not only possible but necessary.
They draw inspiration from Brother Lawrence's concept of active contemplation, demonstrating how continuous intimacy with God can be maintained through daily tasks.
Kelsey shares practical advice for integrating spiritual practices into a busy schedule, emphasizing presence and attentiveness to God's calling in every moment. It's about making each action, no matter how small, an offering to God. The art of active contemplation, as practiced by Brother Lawrence in "The Practice of the Presence of God," allows for a spiritual oasis amidst the demands of mom life.
Listeners are guided through the process of crafting stable routines that honor personal limitations. This is especially pertinent for those raising special needs children or managing chronic illnesses, where predictability is often scarce. The episode offers insights on how to construct a life framework that adapts to the unpredictable rhythms of parenting while establishing a sense of stability through controllable aspects of life.
The conversation then flows into the profound impact of interior freedom and the bolstering strength found in the lives of the saints and personal testimonies. Kelsey shares a deeply personal story of finding solace in the quiet embrace of adoration during a tumultuous period in her life. This highlights the transformative power of pausing for reflection, suggesting that even brief periods of stillness can significantly impact our daily lives.
For those striving for excellence in their tasks while recognizing their inherent limitations, the podcast provides a roadmap. It underscores the importance of harmonizing the drive for achievement with a humble understanding that our worth is not measured by our productivity but by the sacrifice of Jesus. The true measure of a good day, they propose, is growth in virtue.
As the episode draws to a close, listeners are left with the empowering message that embracing the uncontrollable can lead to living with grace.
The episode's main takeaway is clear: by integrating active contemplation into daily routines, Catholic mothers can find the balance they seek between tending to their families and nurturing their spiritual lives. It is an invitation to journey towards inner peace and embrace grace amid the tumult of raising children.
