Ang-gen. That’s how my little one pronounces “again”. Ang-gen.
At times, we will be doing something he enjoys, perhaps singing a song, or blowing raspberries on his belly and through his peals of infectious laughter, he will ask to do it again.
But sometimes he doesn’t ask. He should, because he needs it. I need to tell him things again, perhaps he needs to physically go over things again. He needs the repetition in order for the lesson to sink in. He hasn’t learnt yet.
In the eyes of God, we are just like my little one. When He gives us good things, it must delight Him to hear us say “again, again!”, expressing our acknowledgement of and appreciation for His goodness and kindness to us. This joy must be shared the way I share in my child’s joy. Our prayers of praise and thanksgiving must be music to God’s ears, not unlike the way my child’s giggles elicit an easy smile from me.
And sometimes, we are the struggling child. Sometimes we find ourselves constantly falling into sin. Sometimes, it is the same habitual sin that we want so much to get away from but that we keep finding ourselves tripping up on, again, and again, and again.
But I want you to remember that you are not the first person to commit sins that you know are wrong. St Paul writes in Romans, “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” (7:15) St Paul. You’re in good company. But he knows, as you probably do, that we can’t stay unrepentant in our sin.
The encouraging thing is that our God is merciful. Be consoled in the knowledge that just like parents will repeat instructions and experiences until their child learns, God is perfectly patient in teaching us how to overcome our weaknesses. As St Peter tells us, “The Lord is not slow about his promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9). As long as we are earnest in our journey of faith, honest with God and ourselves about our motivations, and our repentance is sincere, God is always ready to forgive, and help us to try, ang-gen.
Is there anything you have received lately that causes you to praise God? Have you overcome any habitual sins? What helped you?
Until next time, let’s pray for each other. And remember, we can do Mom things through Christ who strengthens us!
Mom Things Through Christ 