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Do you know the seven gifts that we receive from the Holy Spirit? I know that sounds like a conformation question or even worse, Baltimore Catechism. But it is something that we as Catholics should know. So the answer is the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude (or courage), knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Although looking it up in the Bible wouldn't hurt you either. In fact, that is how I came upon it in First letter to the Corinthians in chapter 12. The Bible tells us that "to each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit." We know that the Holy Spirit is our advocate. We know that we are a temple for the Holy Spirit. Realizing that the Holy Spirit brings us gifts is something that we often forget. The Bible is also clear about the fact that we don't usually receive all of these gifts. That is something that many parents seem to forget very often. Each child comes with a TAG (talents, abilities, and gifts). Very often, we as parents want to add things to the TAG that our children may not have been given. This can cause some very serious problems. It places severe pressure on our children to try to meet the expectations of their parents when God clearly had another plan. I am not saying that we shouldn't set clear benchmarks for our children. We should also encourage them to be the best that they can be. That is where the two sides need to converge. What does your child's original TAG look like? How has the Holy Spirit been generous to your child? Take a closer look at that and then help you child realize her/his potential within that realm. That will make for a much happier childhood and provide you with a solid foundation towards building a life-long relationship of love and trust with your child. Treat your child as your Father treats you. The abundance of gifts is another indication that God wants nothing but the best for us. he showers us with love and gifts and we should respond accordingly.

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