– Brought to you by Fr. Bernardino Andrade
Having been a pastor in California for 12 years made me learn a lot from my parishioners. And many of my columns written for my Sunday newsletter were made of stories from them, stories which had the biggest impact on me. Today I share with you one which was published in January 2000, called “If you can learn from your children, you are smart”.
A few weeks ago I was introducing a parishioner to Clyde Hawkins. During the short conversation it was revealed that this wonderful man had stopped drinking because his little daughter had asked him to. And I believe the best reason to do or not to do something is when we do it for love and not just because it is right.
Clyde in all his wisdom commented, “If you can learn from your children it is because you are a smart man.”
Days later I received from Carl Ross the following message.
Good morning, Father,
The other night my daughter and I were making fun of my son Eric. You know, harmless stuff, just having fun with him.
Well, Eric did not think it was funny and he said to us, “You know, you are making the Devil happy. He’s smiling right now because you are saying bad things about me. Why don’t you say good things about me so God will smile?”
My daughter Angelica said, “You can’t see God, you don’t know if He is smiling or not.”
Then Eric replied, “I know I can’t see God, but I can feel Him in my heart.”
Wow! What I beautiful and powerful message my son just made and he’s only six years old, I thought to myself. I kept staring at him like he was an angel.
I thought this would put a smile on your face. Children are truly a gift from God. Peace be with you.
Carl
Dear Carl
Surely it put a smile on my face. Thank you and I agree with you and Clyde, “When you can learn from your children, you are a smart man”.
Love and Peace,
Fr. Bernardino Andrade
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