Yesterday at mass, the homily focused on the difference between guilt and shame. It was really insightful. And afterward if asked, I would have told you that I was listening and would put what I learned into active practice.
Today Julia was trying out a drop in knitting class. We have two charming yarn/knitting shops in our community, The Wool and the Floss and The Knotted Needle. One is much closer to our south end of town than the other. A friend told me about this drop in class for kids at The Knotted Needle (north end). Although in my head I am clear on the distinction, all day I had been thinking it was at the shop close to home. I allowed enough time for Julia to get there pick out her yarn and needles and get acquainted with the instructor. So I pull up at The Wool and the Floss, and they are locked up tight. The lightening bolt strikes and I realize that we need to hot-foot it to the other shop. As I am making the u-turn I say, "I can't believe I did that. That was so dumb of me."
Julia says, "Mom don't shame yourself. Remember what Father Tom said yesterday about guilt and shame. Guilt is when you feel badly about something that has happened. And that's okay. Shame is when you blame yourself and call yourself names. Don't do that. It's not a big deal. We'll get there in time."
That's for real. Discipleship in action. But who is discipling whom?
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