The Gifts of the Spirit to Parents

This past Sunday we celebrated Pentecost, this most dramatic manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures. Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit are always with us. Have you noticed the Holy Spirit at work in your life? Here are some ways the gifts of the Holy Spirit may be present in your life:

· Have you intuitively known how to handle a tough situation with your family? That’s WISDOM. Through wisdom, the wonders of nature, every event in history, and all the ups and downs of our life take on deeper meaning and purpose.

· Have you stopped yourself from getting angry at your child long enough to think what it feels like to be in his or her shoes? That’s UNDERSTANDING. It’s the ability to comprehend how a person must live her or his life as a follower of Jesus. Through this gift, we as Christians realize that the Gospel tells us not just who Jesus is; it also tells them who we are.

· Have you set clear boundaries for your children in spite of outside pressures to follow the status quo? That’s COUNSEL or right judgment. It’s the ability to know the difference between right and wrong and then to choose what is good. It helps us to act on and live out what Jesus has taught.

· Have you hung in there with your child when you wanted to throw in the towel? That’s FORTITUDE or courage. It enables us to take risks and to overcome fear as we try to live out the Gospel of Jesus.

· Are you open-minded, letting go of superstitions, prejudices and small mindedness? That’s the gift of KNOWLEDGE. It’s the ability to comprehend the basic meaning and message of Jesus about fullness of life and, ultimately, salvation.

· Do you realize you need God’s help and that all of life is a gift? That’s PIETY or reverence. It gives us a deep sense of respect for God and enables us to come before God with the openness and trust, dependent on the One who created us.

· Have you felt awe when you are holding and watching your child? That’s FEAR OF THE LORD or the gift of wonder and awe in the presence of God. Aware of God’s majesty, unlimited power, and desire for justice, we are humbled by the presence of the Creator of the universe.

These are gifts of the Holy Spirit, signs that God’s love is flowing through your life. The gifts are yours – look for them!!