"Without the burden of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace. The gift of grace increases as the struggles increase."-St. Rose of Lima

Wow! Grace increases when the struggles increase. I wrote about this a while ago. The, power of suffering. I have been thinking about this a lot over the years. I don't have a lot of suffering in my life. I have a home, a family, food, and a husband that provides well for us! However I have been thinking about everyday struggles of women, wives and moms and how we can rejoice in our little sufferings. (dishes, diapers, toddlers)

St. Paul says "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ's affliction." Collossinas 1:24

I don't know all that this means, but I do know that when we offer our suffering in union with Christs' suffering on the Cross we don't suffer in vain. We truly can rejoice in our little sufferings, because they have the power of Christ behind them. We can offer them for our family, our children for, conversion of hearts... the possibilities or endless. A simple prayer for Gods will to be done, is powerful!

My Husband has been in Iraq for a little over a year. i wish I had thought of this and remembered each time I was frustrated with a loud toddler at Mass with no one to help me. I wish I had thought of this while I was eating dinner with the conversation of a 2 years old after having only the conversation of the same 2 year old all day.

Today I will try to remember this while i do my least favorite chores. (the dishes and putting away laundry)
I will remember while I am frustrated with toddler, when I am lonely, or fearful, or anytime I may be "suffering"

Suffering is an opportunity to better to know God, to love and serve Him.
join me in rejoicing in our little or big sufferings. Pray for me as I will be praying for you!

Happy suffering!