Dear Meli,
I am the godmother of my sister’s children. I was incredibly honored to be asked, and I love my two nephews. There’s only one problem. My sister doesn’t believe in God. She and her husband did the baptism in a church to satisfy his parents. They never talk about spiritual matters with the boys. I would love to do so, especially as their godmother, but it feels like I would be encroaching on my sister’s beliefs. Any thoughts?
Silent Seeker
Dear Seeker,
How sweet to get to hold such an honorable place in the lives of your nephews! It is a beautiful acknowledgement of your sister and her husbands trust in you.
Don’t break that trust without asking them, first, about how they feel about this potential conversation. It would be one thing if the boys were interested, and asked you. It’s another thing, entirely, to step in because you feel the parents are missing something!
Of course, the very best thing you can do for them is live a life rich with the joys and the peace of Spirit. This way, at some time they may very well ask you about how you have that. This is always the best way to start one of those conversations.
Beyond that, loving the entire family is what you are blessed to get to do. In my opinion, this includes not having this conversation without talking with your sister about it first.
May your nephews be so blessed by your spiritual path that, when the time is right, they simply HAVE to know what Auntie is doing! 🙂
Meanwhile, and always, may you be blessed by your own love for them!
Blessings and Love to you in all you do,
Meli
What is your experience with godparenting? Share your comments below!
This is funny. I have had the opposite of this – we picked a family member to be a godparent who has become an atheist since we picked her! But, as you say, it’s about simply respecting where each person is and going from there. Thanks for another great post!
That is funny! 🙂 It sounds like you have great perspective on it, though. Your kids are lucky to have you! 🙂
Your advice here works for so many situations with family, especially when it comes to kids. Thank you!! 🙂
You’re welcome! 🙂 Family is certainly one of the most challenging – and fulfilling – areas of spiritual growth. Like a free workshop, I always say! 😉