The Heartbreak of Parenting
Today my baby displayed his first evidence of shame. He bit my neck and I scolded him, rather mildly. But another woman was present, and little Johnny surprised me by bursting into tears, burying his nose in my neck, and covering his cheeks and eyes with his hands.
Am I proud? No. I think it’s so sad. Already innocence has taken a step toward the door.
I have to teach him right and wrong. But the effects are…well, the law incites sin. It’s a horrible paradox. I’m so glad that the Orthodox Church offers salvation at an infant level to infants, as well as at an adult level to adults.
Of which saint, I wonder, should I ask prayers for the wellbeing of my precious son’s soul? And will I ever again have the courage to bring into this perilous, sinful, dying world a creature in whom is “the seed of corruption?”
Perhaps you should talk with your priest about the Orthodox understanding of infant baptism & sin – maybe it will bring you some comfort.
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Thanks, I’d like to. Poor Father B— is deluged with questions every time I see him. But I think I will make this one a priority on Sunday.
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