My Mom

As we are nearing Mother's Day, I thought I would reflect on my growing up years and life with Mom. I do this for the blessing of my own soul as I know God wants me to remember the days gone by so that I can give Him glory for how He has blessed me and so I can learn from what was good and from what was not. Not all memories are sweet ones but I know that God was at work throughout my life and used all things for my good. I also write as a reminder to myself to learn from my mother's example. I still am a learner.

When I think of Mom many things come to mind. Her laughter, her tears. Her tireless labors in our home. Her love for Dad, her faith in God. Her love for children and her care of the needy. These are some of the things I will be writing about over the next week or so and as I do I hope to highlight some of the women in my life today who also demonstrate these qualities.

I was the 4th child in our family; the next to the youngest. My mother gave birth to me when she was 28. Seven years later my little sister was born (I was very happy to hand over the distinction of being the baby of the family).

The thing that stands out in my mind in my early years was my mother's laughter and tears. I LOVED hearing my mother laugh. I still do. When my mother laughed, as a child I thought all was well with the world. I loved it when she would play games, read to me, sing silly songs to me and push me in the swing. Because she was a very busy stay at home mom, any time I had with her was treasure. Once in a while she would keep me home from school "just because" and we would have a day together. I loved being her "only child" for those days.

Many tears are a memory as well. The Lord did not save my mother until I was 13. I remember often seeing tears stream down her face, or I heard her quiet sobs. As a child and even as a teen I thought these tears were because of something I had done to disappoint her. I never knew the reason for the tears back then but now I know that it wasn't because of me, but rather it was the Lord producing in her an awareness of her need for Him. My mother had many sorrows but she didn't know how to find relief from them until she met her Savior.

There are many moms I know who laugh with their children. Ladies, I cannot tell you enough how important this is. It is too easy to get caught up in the day to day routine of life and not enjoy the funny little ways of our children. I want to encourage you to slow down the pace, and just have fun with those little ones (and growing ones.) Paint, make play dough, make mud pies,walk in the rain with an umbrella and step in puddles and sing. Play games and LOL!!!

And when there are tears, I want to encourage you to communicate with your children what Mommy is sad about. No details needed. Just an explanation that it isn't because of anything your child has done. Or, if it is because of something they have done, have a good long talk that leads to the Cross and the way of forgiveness.

I thank the Lord that He has taught me much through both the laughter and the tears. God is faithful.