As the school year approaches, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the stress and expectations that come with it. Between preparing two children to head back to college, another for high school, and two more for Catholic grade school, I find myself caught up in the worry of whether I’ve gotten everything right. But amidst the chaos, it’s important to take a step back and keep things in perspective.
Instead of relying on retreats or conferences for spiritual renewal, we should consider giving our homes back to Jesus and focusing on a spiritual makeover right where we live.
1. Attitude Check:
As we prepare our children for the new school year, let’s do so with faith in our hearts, peace in our homes, and a welcoming spirit of joy. Gratitude to the Lord is the first and most essential attitude. St. Margaret Mary once said, *“Above all, I beg you to be always lighthearted, joyful, and happy, for this is the true mark of the Spirit of God… Do not be uneasy or anxious, but do all things with liberty of mind and in the presence of God.”
2. Take Spiritual Baby Steps in Prayer:
Imagine that Jesus wants to rearrange the spiritual furniture of our home. He wants to reveal the areas in our lives that need change and draw us closer to Him as a family. We might need to step back and prayerfully consider how we are parenting and witnessing God’s love to our family.
For instance, I remember when my parents made family prayer and our Catholic faith a priority outside of Sunday Mass. That decision transformed our family over 40 years ago, and its impact still resonates with me today.
If you’re not consistently attending Mass, that’s an excellent place to start! Let’s get back to the Basics!
As a parent, I recognize that my husband and I play a critical role in helping our children encounter the faith and cultivate a peaceful, joyful, and welcoming home. We all have areas in our lives that need to be surrendered to Christ to experience the freedom of the Gospel. I recall a significant moment over ten years ago when I knelt in prayer, asking God for new graces to live out my vocation. Through prayer and humility, He can work wonders. In my book *Holy Habits from the Sacred Heart,* I share about a moment when I “gave Jesus back my marriage, children, and future,” realizing that I needed to let go of control and allow Him to work.
3. Take an inner glance at your heart.
Do you feel burned out and exhausted? Jesus tells us, *“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”* (Matthew 11:28-30). Ask for help, assess your heart, and let Jesus be the source of your joy and love. Allow Him to remove the counterfeits to love.
4. Create Holy Stop Signs in Your Home:
Consider placing an image of the Sacred Heart in your home. Let Jesus be the King of your heart and home. Displaying the Sacred Heart is a powerful way to welcome the reign of God into your dwelling place and bring spiritual awakening to your family. It can also positively impact others. To learn more about enthroning the Sacred Heart in your home and building a covenant of love with Christ, visit [WelcomeHisHeart.com](http://www.welcomehisheart.com).
Let us remember the words God shared with the Israelites in Deuteronomy 6: *“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength.”* We are invited to place this message on our doorposts and within our homes as a reminder. Holy images in our home can serve as these reminders.
5. Share Jesus’ Love with Your Family:
Remind your children and family that God loves them! They are sons and daughters of God and are wonderfully made. Before they head off to school, I like to make a simple cross on their forehead and tell them how much I love them and how much the Lord loves them. As St. Catherine of Siena said, *“If we are who we are supposed to be, we will set the world on fire with the love of Christ.”*
Let’s remember that sin is ugly and leads to pain and suffering. Take those baby steps to grow closer to Jesus and rediscover the significance of our Catholic faith. Our faith in Christ should permeate every aspect of our lives.
Check out my most recent radio interview on the importance of a Spiritual Makeover as we head back to School.
God bless you Emily, your heart for Jesus as well as your heart for your family is a beautiful reminder that we all are made by Him and for His Glory. Grateful for His Grace that shines in and through you. Prayers for you and your family and all of our families as we further His Kingdom work in our daily lives. xo