Reflection 4: Admiring Holy Moments

Today was a long one.

My commute is about an hour and forty five minutes each way. That change happened about six months ago, and if I am honest, we are still adjusting. It takes a toll on our family time. There are mornings I leave before everyone is fully awake and evenings where I feel like I have already given my best energy to the road and to work.

But tonight was different.

When I walked in the door, it was still light outside. E, our two and a half year old, came running with the biggest smile on his face. He is in that stage where Dad is his hero, and I do not take that lightly. I scooped him up and in that moment I felt completely recharged. No podcast, no quiet drive home, no career milestone compares to that hug.

Then he said one word. Trampoline.

It has been a while since we have been outside in the evenings. Between the time change and the winter cold, most days feel rushed and dark. But tonight we went for it. We jumped and laughed and ran around for a good thirty minutes before the sun disappeared. Nothing profound. Nothing productive. Just presence.

After that I helped Kierston start dinner. I fed G her sweet potatoes while E tried to sneak a few bites for himself. We laughed. We wiped messy hands. We moved through the normal chaos of dinner time.

And somewhere in the middle of all of it, I realized this was a holy moment.

Not because it was perfect. Not because everything was calm. But because I was there. Fully there.

The long commute is still hard. The balancing act of work and family is still real. There have been weeks recently where I have felt stretched thin and unsure about what God is doing in this season. But tonight felt like a gentle reminder.

God has already provided what matters most.

Sometimes we look for big signs or dramatic clarity. But more often, He shows up in small ordinary moments. A smile at the door. A trampoline at sunset. A messy dinner table.

Those are the moments shaping my heart as a father.

If you are in a busy season, especially with little kids, do not overlook the ordinary. Ask God to help you see the holy moments hidden inside your routine. They might be the very reminders you need.

Prayer: Lord, open our eyes to the holy moments in our everyday lives. Help us slow down, be present, and recognize Your blessings right in front of us. Teach us to cherish our families as gifts from You. Amen.

See you in the Eucharist.