When my son had a bad day, adoration provided a sense of calm

By Gaby Smith, Nola Catholic Parenting Blog, Clarion Herald

One day, my son had a bad day at school. It was his first year at a new school since moving to New Orleans, and he had some struggles finding the right group of friends to hang out with. It took a lot of adjustment.

We had good days and we had bad days, but this day was particularly rough for him. After picking him up from school, he got in the car and cried. I hugged him and told him it was OK. I was lost wondering how I could help my son feel better.

I put my car in park and sat silently praying. I then received some inspiration from our Lord telling me to go visit him. I put my car in drive and parked at the church next to his school and walked him to the front doors of the adoration chapel.

With tears streaming down his face, I wiped them away, hugged him again and said we were going to go talk to Jesus. I explained to him how the adoration chapel is a great way to be one with Jesus and talk to him and tell him everything that is on his mind.

I asked if he wanted to go in and talk to Jesus. He shook his head and we went in. We genuflected and got into a pew. I told him we would stay in the adoration chapel for as long as he needed. He knelt down, folded his hands and closed his eyes. He was still. This was the most still I’ve ever seen him.

I prayed asking God for guidance. How can I help him with his struggles when he has a bad day? All I heard was “Bring him to me. Leave him in my hands.” After about two minutes, he told me he was ready to leave. We left the pew, got into the car and drove off. 

The next day, I prayed he would have a better day. I thought about my son all day, anxious to pick him up from school, wondering what the day brought. As I pulled up in the carpool line, he was jumping up and down waiting for me to pull over so he could get in. 

He squealed about his great day at school. I was ecstatic for him. He buckled up and asked if we could go to the adoration chapel. I asked why, and he replied, “Because I had a great day today, and I want to thank Jesus for helping me today. That’s what I prayed for.” I gladly parked the car next to the adoration chapel and we when in.

I frequently explain to my son the benefits of adoration. I know he can feel it, and he knows Jesus has his back through good and bad days. Sometimes he doesn’t want to go in and that’s OK. When he does, I gladly drive to the church to take him. 

I do everything in my power to not be overbearing, but to explain to him how much Jesus loves him and wants him to succeed and be happy. I want him to know that if he has a struggle, he can always visit Jesus because he’s present.

If you haven’t taken your child to adoration, don’t worry! Maybe try when they’re having a bad day and see what happens. Pray for guidance for your children as a parent. The Lord wants great things for your children. We only need to trust in him.  

Gaby Smith was born and raised in Baton Rouge, has always loved Tiger football and great food. Her work with Catholic Community Radio brought her to New Orleans, where she manages the radio station. She has family in Texas and, soon, worldwide with her brother in the military. She loves her Catholic faith and strives to bring Catholic content and the Gospel through the airwaves at work as an avid promoter of solid Catholic media. “God has shown me the beauty in everyday life and trials,” she says. Her favorite things to do are spending time with family, cooking and traveling. 

Please send comments to [email protected]. Visit the blog at www.nolacatholicparenting.org.