Coffin Corner

468. May 14: (Mother's Day) "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." (Jn 15: 13) In addition to Jesus, who has given their life for you? Perhaps it is your mother, or someone who has been like a mother to you.

469. May 21: "God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him." (1Jn 4:16) Some people quibble over who is saved and who is worthy to be considered a Christian. Look for the love. Would others know you were a Christian without you telling them?

470. May 28 (Memorial Day) "Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven...but each one heard them speaking in his own language." (Acts 2:5-6) Do either of you know a foreign language? You don't have to be fluent to welcome an immigrant. Say hello to someone who is different from you today.

467. May 11: "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me." (Mt 18.5) We parents are responsible for our children and we must carry out this vocation conscientiously. But think beyond your own child today to the kid down the block who hangs around your home, the child in your kid's school whose parent doesn't make the teacher conference, the child in Sudan who doesn't have a school to go to. Can you stretch yourself to welcome one of them too?

468. May 18: Rules: Our kids used to complain about our family rules (bedtimes, limits on TV & computer time, being home for dinner, etc.) A family doesn't need many rules but rules show you care and the ones you do have must be enforced consistently. This takes parental energy. Pray for strength.

469. May 25: The "Silent Treatment" is often considered a communication No No, but there are times when it's better for a parent to say little than to repeatedly nag. Tell your child firmly once to pick up the toys. If ignored, calmly do it yourself and put the toys into quarantine for a period of time. Enough said.