"The garden affords a beautiful emblem of a Christian's continual progress in the path of virtue. Plants always mount upwards, and never stop in their growth till they have attained to that maturity which the Author of nature has prescribed. So in a Christian, everything ought to carry him toward that perfection which the sanctity of his state requires; and every desire of his soul, every action of his life should be a step advancing to this in a direct line."

-Fr. Alban Butler

Questions to ponder:

1. Do I want things in my life to just work or do I want them to be great?
2. How can I re-arrange things in my life to make the things that should be great that way?
3. Is there anything in my life that works but could be better if I just made different choices?

"The wife is the sun of the family. But what happens when the family is deprived of that sun? When the wife, continuously, even in the most intimate circumstances, does not hesitate to make known what great sacrifices she makes for married life. What happens to her lovable sweetness when, because of an excessively severe upbringing, unbridled irritability, and an angry coldness of countenance and speech, suffocate in the children the hope of finding happiness and joyful solace in their mother? What happens when she sadly does not else but disturb and embitter the loyal unity of the family circle with sharp tones, complaints and reprovals. Both spouses thus go to seek elsewhere the peace, rest, and pleasure denied them in their own home. You see, O wives, to what an extent you are responsible for the harmony and happiness of the home."

- Pope Pius XII

Questions to Ponder:

When was the last time I said "I love you" to my parents?

Is there something that my parents have said or done that I refuse to forgive?

What is one small way I can bring greater peace to my relationship with my parents?

“Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring.” - St. Catherine of Siena

Questions to Ponder:

What does God want me to focus on today?

Am I looking for an easy way out for things in my life I just need to commit to doing?

How can I rearrange things in my life to help me to be more present in the moment?