In an earlier post, I wrote about an index card of core values left behind by my mom. The word, “pray” was written third on the list.
A little over a year ago, my mom sent me a link to a YouTube video of author, Matthew Kelly giving a talk in front of a live audience. At the time, it honestly didn’t resonate with me. I watched about half of it and closed the player on my computer, not giving it much more thought. Not long after, she gifted me one of his books too. I didn’t read it. The next time I heard a message from Matthew was through my mother at my uncle’s funeral. He was a kind man, a calm man, and a man of great service to his community. When the pastor asked if anyone wanted to say a few words during the funeral service, my mom accepted and spoke with great strength and grace. She mentioned the concept of (and book title) Holy Moments in her remarks. She said she was learning about them and that her brother-in-law embodied the message beautifully. I still didn’t get it.
After my mom died, we found a few copies of this book on her shelves. I took one in my bag, thinking that I may find the strength one day to be open the lessons my mom was so reverently trying to learn herself. A couple of weeks passed and I started the book. But a few pages in, I put it down. I wasn’t ready for it.
Months later, I opened the short book and vowed to let the words in. The point of “Holy Moments” as I learned it is to whenever possible stop and think about the situation and how to remove one’s own self-interest and comfort and to extend grace to another human, or do what helps them or lifts them up in that time. The author also says that one must seek God’s counsel in each moment through prayer and do His work.
Once I closed the book, I felt so proud of my mom. I saw her actions in that book. She practiced kindness, selflessness, and the human interest principles beautifully. She noticed the people around her. She advocated for and helped them even when it was hard for her. She spread love, compassion, and kindness through her network. Of course, I saw it all from my perspective as a son. But after reading this book, I saw my mother as a fellow human. She left the world better than she found it. She didn’t want for more than she needed and reserved judgment of others. I admire those qualities even more now.
So long for now.
-Felix