For the last five weeks on Thursday mornings, Abby and I go to a mom and tot music class.  I cherish this time alone with her, and I enjoy getting to be with other mom’s and their children. 

One of the unique things I have found about doing this music class is the striking difference between Abby and Brady.  Brady and I did this same class two years ago.  As soon as we entered the door, Brady would dart towards the basket of instruments, grab one and energetically shake or bang it.  The entire 45 minutes with Brady was full of his energy and excitement to be around other kids and to play music.  I was beside him every step of the way as he loudly expressed his joy. 

Abby is much different.  When we enter the door, she does not want to leave my side.  She plops herself firmly in my lap, and slowly ventures out after 15 minutes of warming up to the idea.  She stands briefly attempting the courage to step out, and then plops safely back in my life.  Even after gaining the courage to grab an instrument or venture away from me, she stays away for only a couple of minutes before running full force back into my arms (I must say I love this moment!). 

Journeying with each child is a very different experience.  There personalities and temperaments require different things from me just as we require different things on our spiritual journeys.  We each require different tools to deepen our faith- some of us require time in nature, some of us require scripture study, some of us require solitude, some of us require a more communal experience.  Thankfully, God can and does provide each of us what we need.  God provides the safe lap or the steady presence as God walks with us through life. 

What does your personality and temperament require in your faith life? 
Are you utilizing the tools of your faith that you need for your own spiritual journey?
How is what I need different from those around me?  (My spouse, my children, my friends, my parents, etc.?)

Becky Eldredge

Becky is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and writer. She is the author of the Busy Lives and Restless Souls (March 2017, Loyola Press) and The Inner Chapel (April 2020, Loyola Press). She helps others create space to connect faith and everyday life through facilitating retreats and days of reflection, through writing, and through spiritual direction. With nearly twenty years of ministry experience within the Catholic Church, Becky seeks to help others discover God at work in the every day moments of people’s lives by utilizing St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises and the many gifts that our Catholic faith and Ignatian Spirituality provide.