Introduction to the Devout Life: Second Part--Chapter 1

Welcome, my Catholic Pilgrim friends. We have reached the Second Part of the book, which is a nice milestone for us to celebrate. My son is in his first year of ever playing baseball, which is thrilling to me because I loved playing softball. I, also, enjoy watching baseball games. It's, also, exciting to me because with my girls, most of their sports were in things that I couldn't help with. But, my son, since he is nine, he's a little bit behind, because most boys have been playing since they were little. Thankfully, Jeremiah is very athletic and picks things up pretty quickly. Early on, before the season started, he was frustrated because he wasn't as good as the other boys: They could throw farther and faster, bat better, they understood the game way better and so he was a bit mopey.  I said to him, "Son, the only way you are going to get better is to practice all the time. That's what I used to do with my dad and you are going to have to want that, too." So, now, he is constantly asking to practice in some way and I'm happy to play catch, hit balls to him, and explain the game. He is improving and that's the key.  If you want to get better, you must practice. That includes with prayer, too, which just happens to be our topic for today. Let's open our books to Chapter One of the SECOND Part.