Busy People, Learn to Grow Spiritually From a Busy Mom!

I’m not sure if you’ve felt the same, but I’ve had this unquenchable thirst to merge deep into the faith the past few months. I want to learn how to grow closer to God every day. I love hearing about other people’s journeys and testimonies (please don’t hesitate to share your story in the comments!).

Interestingly, all of the blogs and videos I stumbled upon were from the perspectives of moms. It is just as touching to hear their perspectives, but I can’t compare to many of their points given that I am in a very different life stage. However, I pray to be a mother someday, so I take note of their excellent advice.

Interestingly enough, I bought a small booklet from totallycatholic.com–a wonderful gem I stumbled upon while searching for catholic online stores– by Maria Campton-Hernandez that gives some pointers on how to practice the faith as a mother. It is called “The Catholic Mother’s Resource Guide,” go figure!

The cover is one of my favorite images ever! Just look at how heartwarming it is.

It is only 40-ish small pages long, which is perfect for busy moms and for anyone looking for a short read on tips to help you grow in your faith.

Why should I read it if I am not a mom??

Now, you might be thinking, what could anyone who’s not a mother get from reading something geared towards catholic moms? A lot! Listen, it does not matter if you are a student or work full time, single or married, male or female, young or old; you are probably making excuses not to make time for God. You’ve probably said the following: “I don’t have time to pray.” And to that, I say, “Sure you do.”

The author of the resource guide is a mother to seven children, and besides the fact that she is living my dream, I admire that she was candid on the strains of having many little dependents on one’s walk of faith. As I read the guide, I reflected on the times I’ve babysat and quickly realize that even though I was only with the kids a couple of hours every once in a while, I rarely, or never, took time to incorporate my faith purposefully. Not because I didn’t want to, but I had to be caring for the kids that praying does not cross my mind.

Nevertheless, being a parent is far from easy.

However, if there is something that struck my heart the most from Maria Compton-Hernandez’s resource guide is the emphasis on prayer.

An inspiration to intentionally pray

The tips she gave on how to implement prayers throughout our day enlightened me. I must admit that besides the Hail Mary and Our Father, I did not know any other prayer well enough. Surprisingly, I was blown away by how much incorporating prayers can make one grow spiritually. I used to have a hard time talking to God, and learning that praying was more than hoping wishes to come true left me dumbfounded; regardless, I thank the Holy Spirit for opening my heart and ears to understand Him better every day. 

I wholeheartedly believe ever since I started to pray more intentionally, life has become more peaceful. There is something about praying in the most random times that make life more meaningful. For instance, I’ve started to pray whenever I am cooling down after a workout, or when I am waiting in line, or when I am brushing my teeth.

From a babysitter’s perspective, if you are working with babies, praying the rosary while rocking them works wonders!! (That is a story for another time). But even with bigger kids, just sit next to their bed and quietly praying is an excellent way for the child, and yourself, to whine down.  

The opportunities to pray despite how many responsibilities I have in a day are endless; because the most crucial thing in life is God.

It’s not something new, it’s biblical!

We read in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18,

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Let us not forget that we need to thank God for everything in our lives, the good and the bad. His love for us is overwhelming to a point unmatchable by anyone or anything in this world.  

Let us make time throughout our day to acknowledge God’s presence.

I highly recommend purchasing Maria Compton-Hernandez’s The Catholic Mother’s Resource Guide from totallycatholic.com to learn more about ways to grow our praying habits when life seems hectic. It is a short manual with tips for Catholics at any stage in life!