Prayer Space

Madi began her CCD classes several weeks back. For those of you who are non-Catholic, CCD is the religious teaching program of the Catholic Church. These classes are taught to school age children to learn the basic doctrines of their faith.

I was totally thrilled, on the first day of class, to find out that they were short-handed. And I just-so-happen to know the lovely teacher, Miss Kathi. So guess who gets to volunteer this year?  My job is the sticker-passer-outer, and for the most part, I'm pretty good at it;)

I absolutely LOVE being there.  I swear I learn so much in classes containing kid-speak. I know that doesn't say much about my intelligence level, but hey...I can admit it!

I've only embarrassed Madi twice. The first time was when I raised my hand and asked a question. Daddy had predicted this was going to happen in class, so Madi had quite the grimace when his prediction came true. The second time, I could even tell that I was just a little too loud and goofy when I was singing "If You're Happy and You Know It," but I just couldn't stop myself!  Oh well...I made the kids laugh...

My favorite moment in class was when Miss Kathi asked the kids if any of them knew the name of their guardian angel. After the teacher announced the name of hers, Madi raised her hand with enthusiasm and announced "Daniel" as her guardian angel:)

I love that Madi is so passionate, and last week, she demanded that we set up a special prayer space at home. She and I ran around the house and gathered various items to place on the table.

We now, as a family, begin and end our day at the prayer space together. Madi has become the prayer space police (I know...the just seems wrong, doesn't it?). I was scolded one morning for beginning our prayers without Charlie present. Another morning, I was scolded for not allowing Madi to go first. It is a lengthy process of learning all of the rules in her rule book!

This space has also turned out to be our family's "time-out" zone, but for peace--not punishment. When one of us gets impatient or needs to think about our actions, that's where we go. And isn't God just the perfect One to turn to when we need help? I've been sent there several times this week while making dinner (one of the times when I seem to need assistance the most). This prayer space is a total blessing--I love this new tradition in our home, and I know it's one that WILL stick!