This morning I was awaken again by my daughter crying out "daddy I want you!"  I was very tired and sore but I stumbled out of bed and went to get her.  We went back to sleep.  Nevertheless, we made it to mass, albeit late.  I was grateful that we are so timely most days that we could be late once and not feel guilty.  There was a special period during the mass when couples that are celebrating anniversaries of multiples of 5 this year were called to the front.  My wife and I shared a moment of serenity during the blessing despite not being able to go due to the kids. When I entered the communion line the usher gave me a nod and a hand on the back which gave me a sense of inclusion in the family of our parish.  The homily of our priest really moved me with his observation that marriage is a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the church.  This got me thinking that marriage is actually the most important vocation and central to the family of the church.  He also spoke about the meaning of the beatitude "Blessed be the poor of spirit..." He talked about how it is critical for the Christian to realized that he is poor of spirit in order to be able to receive the Lord.  I thought of this in comparison to admitting powerlessness and unmanageability.

I looked back at tryouts yesterday with a great deal of gratitude to be able to be part of that family also.

My wife took the kids on a special trip to the movies to give me a chance to study.  As she was preparing to leave I was looking into the details of my assignment and seeing that it was much more difficult than I had previously realized.  I began to think it was impossible and I became very frustrated, afraid, and resentful.  Before she left she asked me to start dinner.  This set me off.  I completely lost my temper.

After she left my frustration mounted.  I had to lay down and cool off.  I settled enough to resume my research.  As I was reviewing the  syllabus I realized that the assignment was not due until next week not tonight.  I was first grateful, then embarrassed and remorseful.  I made a quick amends to my wife by phone and text. I called my sponsor also.

We got to have a nice steak dinner and my parents came to visit.  Thanks be to God.