From Children to Parents : First “me”… Could it be selfishness?
- 19
- Feb
- 2015
Maybe for you the title of the post can immediately suggest selfishness … without a doubt I would think the same! But let me explain:
On a recent plane trip, I remembered a symbolic phrase that evokes one of the most important rules of safety in air travel: “Passengers traveling with children or someone who needs help, remember to place the mask (oxygen) on first, before assisting others. ”
Immediately it made me think how important it is to be constantly vigilant, caring first of our own soul as a priceless treasure. This is because, often, consciously or unconsciously, we invert our priorities when taking care of things, responsibilities, and even with an excessive zeal for the family. But you might say: “They are my children, my husband, my father, mother, brother…” And look what God says about the over-anxiety to solve everything first rather than primarily taking care of our own structure:
“Which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his life?” (Mt. 6:27)
Very interesting … If I can’t, as anxious as I might be, add to my life what only God can do, what can we say in regards to that of another person, with a different “head”, thoughts and power of choice?
– Women who suffer a lifetime because they dedicate themselves “blindly” to a relationship that has annulled them interiorly, and they including stop seeking God.
They give everything their have and have-nots, including losing their dignity to realize, years later, that their investment was totally fruitless;
– Parents who “worship” their children, giving them their “oxygen mask”, without realizing that along the way, they failed to invest in themselves and, simultaneously, in their spouse who will be by their side for the rest of their life after the children leave…
Is it wrong to look for a sentimental and blessed married life? Never! That is why we have the Therapy for the sentimental life.
Are we to love and care for our family continuously?
Always! He who does not provide for his own is worse than an unbeliever.
But don’t forget that a “blind” person cannot lead another “blind” person. If we do not have enough balance to firstly seek for our own interior, which is the base for all the other blessings, likewise we would hardly be able to help others, as much as we may love them.
Take care of yourself, put your “oxygen mask” first, that is, seek the Holy Spirit, be guided by God continually, and you will always find direction and the correct “exit” for yourself and for others.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble “(Mt. 6:33-34).
May Mestidio
23rd February 2015 at 0:53
Amen Mrs. Thank you for this post. It is a reminder that we should come first. After all, if we need salvation how can we save others. God bless!