Well, today is Mother's Day. This is a day that, more than anything, I would like to spend with my Mother. It was not possible for me to get to do that this year. I had to work 12 hours today. What is something that I can give or do for the woman who has done more things for me than I could even begin to list (especially since I could not be with her today)? What do you buy for the woman who has every gadget known to man (especially since her son is broke... lol). Then it dawned on me that the thing I really wanted to give her was to tell her how she has impacted my life and how my heart could burst with appreciation and love for her. So this blog is dedicated to my Mama.
I have so many fond memories of my Mama from childhood that I could write a book. One of my earliest memories was going to church. After Sunday School, it was time to go upstairs to "big church". I would snuggle up to Mama during the first part of the service. I can vividly remember when everybody would stand to sing, I would lay down and try to go to sleep. When I didn't drift off to sleep, Mama had a trick that always worked to keep my interest during the sermon. She would take the wrapper from a piece of gum and wrap it around her finger. A few twists and turns later, I had a tiny goblet that I would pretend to drink from. That seems like such a little thing, but I don't think I will ever forget those little memories that she made for me at church.
I can remember one night when Mama came into my room to tuck me in. I always said a little prayer goodnight. This particular night, she asked me if I wanted to learn a special prayer that I could pray. She taught me the Lord's Prayer. I prayed that prayer from that day on through my high-school years. I don't know if she knew that by teaching me that, she has impacted my prayer life from that day forward.
I can remember how me and Mama could eat an entire half-gallon of Goo Goo Cluster ice cream in one night! Those were the days...
After I became a teenager, I remember holding my poor Mother (okay, really she asked for it sometimes by picking on me and Daddy!) upside down when Daddy asked me to (or if I decided to on my own!). Not even that could make her back down from picking on us! She has always been fearless.
I can remember when I quit my job at Ace Hardware when I was a teenager. I went in my room and cried my eyes out because I didn't know how I was going to pay my car payment. I was listening to some of my Gospel music. She came in the room and asked me, "Don't you believe what you are listening to? He will take care of you." She was right. He did take care of me.
I remember how Mama cried when she found out her son was going to wear white at graduation (for having an A average through high school). I think she had given up on that by my senior year. haha
I can remember how we cried together when I told her that I was going to get married 2 days after graduation. She never once told me I was crazy or not to do it. When I told her that I had prayed all year about it, she gave me her complete and total support. Just like she always has.
I can remember seeing my mother cry when I said "I do".
I can remember us both crying together again when I brought each of my boys out of the delivery room.
I remember seeing the tears in her eyes as I was ordained to preach.
There are thousands of little and big things that I could list; ways that my Mother has impacted my life and made me a better person.
She has invested her life into mine. Not only mine, but my brother and sister's and each of our families as well. She has done big things like helping out me and my little family during tough money problems. She has taken care of the boys countless times while I was traveling to preach or teach. My Mother does so many things to further God's Kingdom. Much of what she does is behind the scenes, though. She doesn't do it for applause. She doesn't do it to make herself look good. She does it because she loves her son and she loves her Lord. She does countless little things, too. Like making chocolate no-bakes when she knows we are coming (she even makes sure Daddy and Sharon leave some for me!!). Like rushing to the store when she knows we are coming so she will be able to cook supper for us.
I could list things all night that she has done and she does. But I guess I could sum it up in one sentence. She has always given me unconditional love. I can not think of one time that my Mama has ever let me down. Not only do I have her unconditional love, but I have a Mother who cries out to God for her son. Even though she might get nervous about what God might call me to do, she always prays for God's will in my life. She prays that not because it is easy for her. She prays it because she wants her son to follow Christ.
There is so much I wish I could do for my Mother. I wish I could heal all of her physical pains. I know that there is so much she can't do lately because of sickness. I wish I could by her a huge house with a maid (and pay off all of her bills). There is so much I would do. More than all of that though, I hope I can show my Mama how much I love her and what a blessing she is to me and my family. I hope that there will never be a doubt in her mind that I love her and am so thankful for all she has done and everything she does.
Proverbs 31:10, 27-31 says, "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates."
I have no doubt when God inspired those words, He had my Mama in mind. This little blog is just a small way for me to rise up and call my Mama blessed. The wonderful works she has done and continues to do praise her in the gates.
God has blessed me with so much. He has been so good to me. One of the most precious gifts he has ever given, or could ever give, is the gift of my Mama. Thank you Lord, for that wonderful gift.
Happy Mother's Day, Mama...
