Those of you who have been following my blog for any length of time know I had a loving relationship with my mom. This is my first Mother’s Day without her.
She died the end of May last year. I know she is in heaven, and I will see her again and we will have all of eternity to share the Father’s love.
When I think of the things that made her so special I feel like I am compiling a list of the Proverbs 31 woman. Mom learned to sew before I was born and I still have some of the little dresses she made for me and my daughters. She learned to knit when I was in grade school and I have sweaters and ponchos tucked away too.
Mom was a wonderful cook and baker. Everyone I knew growing up wanted an invitation to our house for dinner. She also was an excellent baker – there were no store-bought cookies or cakes – every school party she made and decorated dozens and dozens of treats.
My Dad was out-of-town for long periods of time; work kept him away. She kept the household accounts and maintained discipline for myself and my two siblings. She was an economist and could make a penny stretch.
She became one of my best friends. In High School, we had our differences but I definitely felt a closeness with her that my other friends didn’t have with their mothers. When I married and had children she filled the role of Grama whole-heartedly.
Mom always tried to help her friends and neighbors. When anyone came to the house to do work or make a delivery she didn’t let them leave without hearing about Jesus.
In her final years she look forward to going to heaven. She told me numerous times, “if I’m gone in the morning, tell them not to cry. Have a party because I am where I want to be”.
I offer this tribute this morning to all those Moms who are with us and those who we no longer are able to touch with our hands.
“Her children say good things about her.
Her husband brags about her and says,
29 “There are many good women,
but you are the best.”
30 Grace and beauty can fool you,
but a woman who respects the Lord should be praised.
31 Give her the reward she deserves.
Praise her in public for what she has done.” Proverbs 31:28-31 ERV
Mothers, grandmothers, women with mother’s hearts we have a special place of influence that no one else can occupy. May we shape lives with the love of Jesus!