A New Perspective

Tomorrow my husband and I will load the boys in the car and go to Mass in a different state. We’ve been honored to be asked to be godparents to a pair of our friends siblings.

I am a bit surprised by my musings today. Up until today it seemed an easy thing. Our good friends have been making solid commitments in the Catholic Church at the same time we have, and they are firm in raising their children in the Church. We’re a bit older than them and for the last few years we’ve been included in the group of people they’ve discussed faith with. They know our journey. They know who we are. So they know what they are giving their children.

This is more than I originally thought though. This is more than an honor—this is really important. And I’m a bit nervous. But I think that is a good thing.

My godparents are just a picture in a photo album to me. Friends of my parents in a town that was new to them, a town they would not live in very long. I hear stories of people who keep in touch with their godparents regularly. I know of godparents who are a foundational person in their godchildren’s lives.

Orthodox godparents seem to take things a bit more seriously than the Catholics that I know—unless it is a situation where an aunt or uncle is the godparent.

I’m praying we can offer these children more than a card or two and a few gifts; praying for a relationship that lasts a lifetime and is filled with prayer and love.

Deep breath. Not quite as overwhelming as having my own children…but surprisingly close.

~ by throughadarkglass on March 2, 2008.