The Rosary Jar

Photo by cohdra (2005) via Morguefile.

No matter how young or old we are, worry behaves the same way in everyone. It bounces around our minds, interrupts the better moments of our day, and often bursts onto the scene just as we settle into bed. St. Padre Pio in his oft-quoted phrase, "Pray, hope, and don't worry," shows us the better way. But how can we convert that worry into prayer?

Sometimes the simple act of writing it down can do wonders. This month of May, dedicated to our beautiful mom Mary, is a great time to get into the habit of passing the buck when it comes to worry. Creating a large jar in which your family can place its intentions for the month might be a source of encouragement to persevere in prayer. Each family member can have a different shade of paper (or sticky-note) on which to write his intention. At the end of the month, the jar can be emptied and everyone can sort through his notes to see which prayers have been answered and which ones need to be returned to the jar for more prayer.

Our faith teaches us that no problem is too difficult for God if we only turn to Him with trusting hearts. No heart was more trusting than Mary's, which is why the rosary is one of the most powerful prayers we have. During this month of May, help show your children that they don't have to struggle with worry and anxiety alone. We have the most perfect and caring mother in Our Lady who wants nothing more than to help us find the peace that only her Son can offer.