The Mom Weekly Volume 22: December 26
The other day I went to daily Mass at a church I don’t normally go to. There was a young family there with maybe 4 small children, ages about 2-10. The kids, especially the younger ones, were typically squirmy and making “sotto voce” comments about various things. At one point the dad took out one of the kids, but came back.
(An aside: I always want to (and sometimes do) say to families with small children that it bothers you way more than it bother anyone else around when your kids make noise. Virtually everyone else is charmed by little voices and movements. But that message is for another day).
At the sign of peace, the youngest, who at that time was being held by mom, reached over to the second or third youngest, trying to give her a handshake for the sign of peace. She turned her back on her brother, a completely normal thing at various times. Who wants to give peace to a sibling who tortures you, steals your toys, or hits you all the time?
The two-year-old was having none of it. He said, kind of whispering (that stage sotto voce that can be so adorable,) “She won’t give me peace.” When this was met with little reaction by family members or those around, he rose his voice and said, “She won’t give me peace!”
Some shushing happened, only causing 2-year-old to yell, “SHE WON”T GIVE ME PEACE!!!”
I remember thinking as it happened, “Welcome to the human race, little guy.
“She won’t give me peace!!!” is an apt metaphor for our world always, and especially right now. There is so much division and rancor and actual violence in the world. We need peace, and yet it seems impossible. I wonder about ways I can bring peace to my family, to my community, to the world. Prayer is obvious, and truly working on a peaceful heart and spirit.
As I wrote this, I was reminded of a Mother Teresa quote. Trying to find it, I discovered this essay by her which covers peace in its opening paragraphs.
Peace begins with a smile. Smile five times a day at someone you don’t really want to smile at; do it for peace. Let us radiate the peace of God and so light His light and extinguish in the world and in the hearts of all men all hatred and love for power.
Since it is Christmas season, let us remember that the Prince of Peace will give us the grace to be able to live that kind of peace, and spread it to others.
Remember how much I love you,
Mom
Interesting/Notable
The Great Cousin Decline
Gift link (Atlantic tells me the link is only good for 14 days from 12/21, when I saved it).
This makes me so grateful for all of the cousins (including some readers here!) and the relationships you all have.
Rich Mullins last concert–September 6, 1997
I’ve been on a bit of Rich Mullins kick on Spotify lately.
This is his last concert, very simple, in someone’s home. Read the description of the video–it is fascinating, and I didn’t remember until I read it how Rich was preparing to become Catholic just before he died in a car crash less than an hour north of here (along Route 39).
I loved watching this over a couple of days, because it put me back in mind of his rambling talks before songs. I never saw him in concert, but I so wish I had.
Are Low-Fat Dairy Products Actually Healthier?–NY Times
I feel like I’ve known this for many years. Why does it seems news to The Times?
An Action Item: Add to Your Roth IRA
This is the last The Mom Weekly of the year, so it’s good to do some year-end financial tasks. I’ve been doing financial tasks for Dad & me the last few weeks. Since we are older there are a few more complicated items, but for you kids, probably one of the best things you can do for “future you” is add to your Roth IRA.
As I’ve mentioned before, one of my big money regrets is not maximizing Roths when we were younger. Roths have only been around since 1998, but I could have rolled over old IRA money into a Roth decades ago.
The limit for 2023 if you’re under age 50 is $6,500, so assuming you do not have that much in yours already, consider putting a little more in, especially if you received a bonus or other windfall. If you make more than $153,000 and you filing single, or $228,000 married filing jointly, you can’t contribute directly to a Roth. Here’s a Schwab article detailing the limits.
For those with too-high incomes to contribute, Backdoor Roths are a good possibility. Read this article from The White Coat Investor for details on how to accomplish this.
If you need help in the next few days (or really, anytime!) doing some of this, I’m happy to help. Just let me know!
What are you doing this weekend?
Because New Year’s Eve is this Sunday, we will once again skip our weekly questions. Here’s to a peaceful, safe, and beautiful 2024.