In today's Gospel according to Saint Luke, Jesus dines in the home of one of the leading Pharisees. You and I both know this is going to end with an epic lesson.
He cures a man on the Sabbath, the day of rest, and confounds the guests with His question as to whether or not it's against the law to do so, and drives this idea home of not being wrongfully bound by the law with the remarks on saving your son, or your ox, who had fallen into a well on the Sabbath. (Luke 14:1-6)
I'm not so rigid, am I? Would I stick to my rhythm, my known, my letter of the lawedness to that extent? Would I refuse to care for and love those around me under the guise of "just following the rules here, people?" Do I live a blurred rinse-repeat of caring for small kids, eking out meager conversation with my husband, vegging on social media, and operating in the fog of poor sleep, meaning I rarely exercise prudential judgment like Jesus did here? I stick to what I know and am too afraid and exhausted to examine these kinds of situations closely.
It's not just necessary when parenting and partnering, this prudential judgment. We need God's love and our readiness to adapt to the situation at hand after a long day of classes, during a heated discussion with loved ones, while managing a medical crisis in the family. The gifts of intellect and free will coupled with a healthy pumping empathic heart should be put to good use!
If you struggle with being rigid or are fearful to listen with your heart or pray your way through a sticky situation, you're not alone. But now we can pray for each other.
We need God's love. // @WholeParentingClick to tweet
Prudential judgment: it's a thing! Think about how you could better utilize it in your day-to-day, sprinkling in some good old fashioned God's love on top.
Nell O'Leary is a recovering lawyer who blogs and sews while tending to her husband and four kiddos in the great city of Saint Paul, Minnesota. She serves as Managing Editor for Blessed is She and can down a iced chai tea latte in no time flat. Find out more about her here.
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