If life has you stretched, exhausted or just a bit too frazzled for your liking, I invite you to slow down a minute or two to read this and soak up some loving advice. 

Perspective: The phrase “it came to pass” can be found more than 400 times in Scripture. Not once does it say, “it came to stay.” Those days that feel like a whirlwind do come to pass.

Truth: If the flurry of family activities has left you dizzy, ask for the grace of peace. Remember, peace is not the absence of chaos, it is the presence of God.

Invitation: In order to truly feel the presence of God, you need to invite him into the chaos. He loves you so much he will meet you in the carpool, laundry, homework and practice schedule. He will come anywhere so don’t forget to include him.

Priority one: Anytime can be an opportunity for prayer. This season may not give you time for family Scripture study or evening rosary praying, but the Lord loves hearing from you in quick prayers and “shout-outs” throughout the day. As you buckle up, invite him on the drive. As you pack lunches, do hair and help stuff backpacks, ask for his grace, guidance and blessing. As you eat fast food on the way to the next event, ask him to bless and strengthen you. Pray together for the protection of Guardian Angels before practice and ask the Blessed Mother for patience and grace to feed and care for your family as she did for hers.

Stop and breathe: The Lord always leads, but his light only illuminates the next step so stay behind him and let him lead you through the busy, crazy days. Take a breath and focus on the words, “Give us this day our daily bread” or “This is the day the Lord has made.” Be with the Lord in the present moment and thank him for something, because gratitude is the root of joy.

Empty tank syndrome: If your gas tank is empty, you take it to the gas station for a fill-up. The Father is the place to go when your tank is running low. “Lord, please fill me with the grace I need to be a good parent in this busy moment” is a powerful prayer.

The myth of perfect: No parent has it all together all the time. Don’t chase that myth because it’s exhausting and silly. It’s OK if your life feels like a busy mess. It’s OK if laundry is piled up and dinner comes from the freezer section at the supermarket again. Wrinkles, messes, dust bunnies and permission slips signed in crayon are all OK. 

Raising saints: The key ingredients are love, laughter, prayer and sacraments. Make time for those things and you’re on top of your game! Your kids won’t remember if the floors were mopped or if their uniform was grass-stain-free but they will remember you helped them find humor, prayer and joy in everyday life.