Forget Rules, Teach Respect

     On a daily basis, I realize how blessed I am to have two of the world's greatest parents. It surprises people when I tell them that we didn't have very many "rules" in my family when I was growing up. Normally, you'd think this would be a recipe for chaos. My parents, in the running of our home, made the decision to implement something more important than rules. They instilled in my brother and me a sense of respect. This idea of respecting myself and those around me was the means by which I tested all of my decisions. You'll find that many of the "rule breaking" behaviors that kids partake in would not hold up to this same test. When a child learns respect, his actions radiate it. Not only will this lead to a decrease in bad behavior, but an increase in good and friendly behavior as well. 

     Working as a camp counselor, I'm exposed to many different children daily. All of these kids have been parented differently. The ones that have been taught respect stick out like a sore thumb. In fact, I could list them all right now. Likewise, those that have not been taught respect quickly become infamous among their peers and counselors. 

     It's incredibly sad to say, but the amount of kids that lack respect far outnumber the amount of kids that actively practice it. This is something that parents have an obligation to teach their children. If they don't, no one else will. 

     I thank the good Lord that my parents taught me respect. Furthermore, I ask that He equip me to become the same type of parent one day.

End of rant. 

Living Tributes

     Within the past month, a lot of craziness has been happening in my usually simple life. On Thursday, June 20th, my grandmother Laura Farias passed away. She had been seriously sick for the past 10-12 months, so it was somewhat expected. Nevertheless, death is never something that comes easily, regardless of how long you had to prepare. Within hours, plenty of people started arriving at my house. Before I knew it, my home went from housing 4 people to hosting 18 loud and emotional Farias family members. To say it was difficult is an understatement. You see, since summer started, I had been living a very self-centered life. I would wake up, go to work (before anyone else), spend 8 hours at my job (with my phone off), come back home for a few minutes (while everyone else was at work), spend a few more hours at other job (again with my phone off), and eventually come back home (everyone else already in bed/going to bed). I didn't have to worry about anyone but myself. When my grandmother died, I suddenly had to devote all 24 hours of my day to my family. In fact, it was so stressful that I ended up leaving in the middle of family time to take a walk around my neighborhood. During that time, I admitted to myself that I was mad. I was grumpy about having to take a week off of work, I was grumpy about having to share my house with all these people, I was just grumpy pants. Then, I felt disgusted with myself for even daring to feel this way... how selfish of me to only be thinking about the way I was being inconvenienced. I returned to my house feeling embarrassed, ashamed, and just downright sad. 
     Upon opening the door, I was greeted by my mother. We sat on the couch together and talked for a few minutes. Imagine my surprise when she suddenly asked if I would say the eulogy at my grandmother's funeral. My first thought, "No way." Out of all people, she was asking me? I was being the most selfish and bratty daughter imaginable, and yet I was the one chosen to deliver my grandmother's tribute? I thought there was surely something wrong with this picture. 
     Well, after days of writing and rewriting, I finalized the eulogy and delivered it on the day of her vigil in Houston and her funeral mass in Los Angeles. I had a shocking amount of people come up to me after both services complimenting me on what I had written. I was sincerely humbled. I never thought I was worthy enough to complete such a task, but I was chosen and did it anyway. 
     It's incredible how even the smallest moments of our lives are reflections of our relationship with God. Each and every day we are called to be a living and breathing tribute to Him. Unlike a eulogy, it is not something we can write one day, recite the next, and then forget about. Our calling from God is much greater. No matter how unworthy we may feel, He has chosen us. He is constantly choosing us. Every day He chooses us and waits for us to respond to His request. How easy of me it would have been to ask my mother to choose someone else to deliver the eulogy. In the same way, how easy it is to wait for someone else to be the "holy one." But, how lame is that? Consider all the wonderful experiences we could miss out on. By writing my grandmother's tribute, I felt like I had grown closer to her (even after she had passed). I can only imagine the incredible experiences we could have if we chose to live as Christ's tribute.