Emphasis Preaching Journal

You know the story by heart -- perhaps you have this story. The story of a parent who works three jobs so that they can afford to send their child to Catholic school or college; the story of a wife who works full-time so that her husband can follow his dream of grad school; the story of a child who makes room in her already crowded home so that she can care for her aging parents. These are the stories that are lived out every day, stories of sacrifice and love. Like Paul, these hardworking parents, spouses, and children rejoice in their suffering — because the hardship they face is nothing compared to the joy they find in helping someone else realize their dreams or reach their potential.