Mother's Day is coming up this Sunday and I wanted to talk a little bit about moms and mothering. First, I want to say Happy Mother's Day to my mom. I have grown a lot in terms of respect and love for my mom over the last four years-or so. As I am faced with "mom situations" of my own, words she once said ring in my ears. I appreciate her experience and wisdom in situations that only comes with age. I also want to say I love a lot of characteristics about my mom. She is silly, loyal to her kids, loves her grand-babies has a good work ethic, she is passionate, blunt, funny, and a sensitive soul. My mom and I are night and day different ,and I think we have maybe finally figured out how to love each other the way we are. God made us uniquely different and yet put us together as mother and daughter! Thanks for loving me as a colicky infant, thanks for indulging my toddler imagination by acknowledging "Benny" my imaginary friend, thanks for kissing my boo boos, thanks for wiping my tears when kiddos were mean, thanks for loving me when I was a bratty 16,17, and 18 year old, thanks for encouraging me to go to college, thanks for being as excited as me about the wedding, thanks for crying tears of joy when we announced "Baby coming soon", thanks for sticking with me through tough spots, thanks for just being my mom!! So Happy Mother's Day to you mom. You helped raise and shape me. We have yelled, fought, laughed, cried, complained, forgiven and had a whole lotta fun too- !! I honor you momma!!
Second, I would like to thank my Mother in law, but for all intents and purposes she is my Mom too!! Thank you! First, for having such a wonderful and handsome son. I appreciate the way you raised your boys (girls too) to love and honor their parents. I am thankful for your son and how He treats me and our children- I know that comes from you and Sam- and Jesus!! I love how you have loved and welcomed me as your daughter. I have truly learned so much about family by being a part of your family!! I love you and honor you as my mom!! Happy Mother's Day!!
Third, to all the "moms" in my life. I have all kinds great examples of motherhood in my life my mom, mother-in-law, step-mom, sisters, and friends. Ladies who love their babies and aren't afraid to wake up everyday and answer the call to motherhood. I have friends who spend quality time on their knees praying in God's stuff for their babies. I walk daily with some mommas who take seriously the task of pointing their little ones to Christ. These ladies never fake it either- they call a bad day - a bad day, and they believe the new mercies of the morning will be sufficient for the next. These ladies text, call, or just show up to lend a hand or encourage- and I feel their prayers over me all the time. These ladies are raising the next generation of Followers. Some live right here next to me and some far away. They are discipling on the couch, in the sandbox, in the mini-van, at the dinner table, and everywhere in between. They don't get a lot of applause or accolade, mostly just wet kisses that taste of Cheetos and apple juice. They have answered His call and they hold their precious babies opened handed as gifts they are entrusted with. They use their time to pour out the love Jesus has poured into them- then one day they turn loose and watch as those babies pour! So to all of you mommas I am so blessed to life with- I say thank you! You are seen, you are appreciated and you are raising up some fine followers- as you yourself follow!!
I end with this "I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and , I am persuaded, now lives in you also."2Timothy 1:5
Lord, let our faith persuade our babies to have a sincere faith of their own that is noticeable for Your glory!
Happy Mother's Day!!
