FROM Teresa Hartnett, Director OF THE FAMILY MINISTRY OFFICE, The Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton
THE Parenting Tip #174
Christmas is a wonderful time of year! We see family, experience the joys of gift giving and receiving and have some time as a family just to be. It is however, more than any of these things, the celebration of the birth of Christ. In the hustle and bustle of the season we can forget to focus on this moment, where a child came into the world so that each of us could experience the profound gift of Salvation. This Christmas, enjoy all the fun stuff, but remember to focus, through stories, Mass, prayer and discussions, on the joy of Christ’s birth and the real reason for the season.
Marriage Tip #154
Marriage is a journey that two people undertake with a plan to navigate life together. When researchers investigate what makes the journey both long and happy, many things come into play, but a strong one is repeated by most: “I married my best friend.” It is good to ask yourself then, are you being a good friend to your spouse? Do you spend time together, share parts of your day, invite them to share in an event with you, watch a movie together, or even a series that can become together time? Do you call once in awhile to say hello during the time you are not together and plan time for your spouse in your agenda – everyday? Are you patient when they make a mistake, are not perfect, or let you down? Friendships thrive and last in this kind of environment, so make friendship a foundation of your marriage.
