Coffin Corner

Dear Bill ,
Below are your Marriage Moments and Parenting Pointers for FEBRUARY.  

NOTES: Check out Can You Eat on $4.50/Day? Although Lent will not start until Feb. 22, Jim and I have decided to take the NATIONAL FOOD STAMP CHALLENGE and try to eat on $4.50/day. Perhaps you'd like to spread this idea to your constituents. I'll be blogging on the experience after Ash Wednesday, so check my blog after that.

454. Feb. 6: "They brought to [Jesus] all who were ill." (Mk 1:32) How do you like to be treated when you are ill? Do you want to be left alone or fussed over? What about your spouse? Don't assume that what you like is what your beloved would like. Ask.

455. Feb. 12: (World Marriage Day) Renew your vows today or on Valentine's Day. "I _____, take you, _____, to be my wife/husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life."

456. Feb. 20: (Ash Wed.) "Your offenses; your sins I remember no more." (Is 43:25) "Child, your sins are forgiven." (Mk 2:5) We humans hold grudges - but that is not the way of God, the way of love. With Ash Wednesday approaching consider letting go of an annoyance or fault of your beloved for Lent. Don't bring it up again - at least for 6 weeks.

457. Feb. 27: Feb. 29 is Leap Day. In matters of courtship, historically men took the lead and pursued women. Of course our society is now more egalitarian. Women are more assertive, ask men out for dates, and even propose. Is it a leap for you to accept this change or does it seem natural?

PARENTING POINTERS

453. Feb. 3: Parents naturally want their children to be successful in life and love. "When raising children focus on enduring values and character - the success that counts will fall into place." (Raising Kids Who Will Make a Difference) Wealth and good looks are nice but can be false friends. Go for integrity and compassion.

454. Feb. 10: "Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Mt 18.4) What childlike quality would you like to foster in yourself? Try it for a day.

455. Feb. 17: February 22 is Ash Wednesday. Talk with your kids about whether there is something the whole family might give up or DO for Lent. For example: omit desserts, TV, or videos except on Sunday; eat dinner together more, give each other one sincere compliment a day...

456. Feb. 24: Next Wednesday, February 29, is Leap Day. According to historical lore this was a date that women could propose marriage. It can be instructive to experience walking in another's shoes. Consider trading places (or chores) with someone in your family for a day. Some jobs may not be done perfectly. Laugh about it. You can survive one day on PPJ sandwiches.