In the middle of my list from earlier, there was a big fight.

It involved stringing Christmas lights in a bedroom and ended with a physical altercation.

Hopefully by now you realize I wasn’t actually involved in the fight.

I was, however, involved in the aftermath and none of us felt very good when it was over. 

Thankfully, I hadn’t gotten to “checking the liquor cabinet” on the list yet, because we dropped everything and went to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.    Here I have been, focusing on everything else about Christmas instead of looking into my own heart to see if it was ready to receive Christ.  Reconciliation is such a gift, and I am so thankful to have gone today.  Now I truly feel full of peace and love, steeped in Advent, in waiting in joyful hope for the coming of the Lord.  Forgiveness (or withholding it) holds more power than we understand, until we are forgiven.  This sacrament allows me the grace to forgive others and, most especially, to forgive myself.

I had never looked at it as a parenting tool, either, but it was a transforming experience to see the children before and after.  Peace reigns.

Act of contrition:

Oh my God, I am sorry for my sins.  In choosing to sin and failing to do good, I have sinned against you and your Church.  I firmly intend, with the help of your Son, to do penance and to sin no more.  Amen.