Patience is one of the virtues that we all struggle with. How many times have I been frustrated over my–or others’!–slow spiritual growth? St. Teresa of Avila said that perseverance is essential to growth in prayer. And perseverance means we have to be patient.
How can we teach our children to be patient? We can help them first with our example, refusing to be frustrated when the same discipline problems raise their head repeatedly. We can pray with them for friends and relatives who have left the Church, never giving up, no matter how long it takes.
Author Virginia Lieto knows about the patience of God. She spent years as an auditor before she heard God calling her to a deeper relationship with Him. She left her profession, pursued a masters degree in theology, and became an adjunct professor for Saint Joseph’s College of Maine’s Online Theology Program.
Then, with a little more patience, she went a step further, beginning to write books to help children grow in virtue.
Virginia’s first book is just out. Adventures of Faith, Hope, and Charity – Finding Patience, tells the story of a family with three daughters who moves to a new home and neighborhood. The oldest daughter, Faith, struggles to find new friends. Her mother prays with her and wisely councils patience.
Faith’s sisters join her in prayer. A new puppy lifts Faith’s spirits and helps her begin to trust God to hear her. Her trust is rewarded with a new friend, appropriately named Patience.
Carole Hahn Pazner’s illustrations will make you smile. Virginia’s story line will bring back memories of childhood struggles you can share with your children. Together, they make it easy for you to show your children that even patience doesn’t appear overnight.
To celebrate the publication of this book, the first in a planned series, Virginia is giving away five autographed copies. You can enter the contest here.
Connie Rossini
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