I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free. ~ Michelangelo
My eldest will be making his First Communion this Spring, his first confession is in a few weeks and I know he’s been a little anxious
This evening as I tucked him in he asked,Ā “What’s going to happen if I make a mistake?”
I kissed him on his nose and said, “God will love you still.”
I told him that God already knew who he was meant to become, and on his journey to becoming the man God has intended him to be he’d make mistakes. I told him, “Making mistakes is part of growing up.” I explained that he can not live in fear of failing because by doing so we’d be dishonoring the journey God has set us on.
I told him that, the whole reason why we confess our sins is so that we can acknowledge our mistakes and try to do better in the future. We are human, we make mistakes, and when we own up to them, and atone; our souls are made lighter.
I could see the relief in his entire being. It was palpable. He let his fear go. It swooshed out of him in a great breath and he grew brighter.
It was then, I thought, that his fear had been set free. I’m sure there will be other things he will fear in his life, but he now understands the feeling of peace that comes with it’s release.
We all have fears. It’s in acknowledging them they loose their power. Don’t worry my little darling…Everything is going to be all right.
xo
Nicole Olea’s love language is communication. She does this best using her keyboard as a freelance copywriter and editor. Creative and resilient with high-level experience in social media management, content creation, and eCommerce marketing, Nicole Olea was a professional volunteer, sharing her skills with various non-profit organizations who paid her in hugs. For the last 20 years, she’s lived a quasi-nomadic life, moving across the country and the Atlantic with her active-duty husband and their three kids. She’s awkwardly stumbling toward her goal of becoming a saint. She’s got God-sized dreams and wants you to have them too!
I am very clear with the kids that a) its not a sin until they know it is, and B) Confession is to clean ourselves. So as long as your honest Father will walk you through it all and God is helping him. I say that if they seem nerves father will tell them a joke. He laughed.
Oh my gosh, you are such a great mother for explaining this so beautifully!
I love that he is doing this in Italy too…how beautiful and poetic!
Aww that’s cute.
You did such a nice job of explaining it to him and relieving his fears. I remember feeling exactly like that way back when!
That quote at the top has been one of my favorites for years- I even have it on one of my digital post-its on my desktop! Love it.
Oh my gosh, this was so dear and precious. I love how it came clear to him.
What an amazing teaching moment you were able to share with him. The faith of a child is simply beautiful.
That is so sweet!
It’s great when you know you can help your child face things. I’m glad you were able to comfort your son.
You’re so right to tell him that making mistakes is part of growing up. I’m 43 and still make mistakes… just means I’m still growing up.
That is so sweet. I haven’t said this out loud yet, but admitting my fears and anger of losing my dad is what helped me get through those feelings.
What a good Mama!
This was incredibly sweet. Thank you for sharing your story.
So sweet! I loved reading this. And your answers are perfect! Such a good mama!
Thank you! xo
So sweet, Nicole. I’m glad that he has to to help explain things to him and make life seem a little easier. Hugs!! š
Oh, how God loves your little man! So sweet! š
How precious! Oh, how God loves this little man. :))
So wonderful! What an amazing moment for both of you
Nicole, this was so so sweet! I think in our youth, many of us feel that way. Heck, even as an adult I’ve sometimes felt that way too. But God loves everyone, no matter there sin, and we couldn’t ask for a better Father.
And he gets to make his first confession in Italia! I’m not Catholic, but I’d imagine that must be pretty special.
I’m sure it will be! Thank you!
I love this. I’m not catholic but fears and making mistakes and wanting to atone for them are all universal feelings regardless of denomination. I love this photo, too. š