Christ Leads The Way

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” – Exodus 20:12

I’m so excited for another opportunity to give my mom her flowers while she lives. It really is a blessing to be able to do. My heartfelt sympathies are extended to all who do not have that privilege any more. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! Mom’s really are the good stuff that life is made of. 

My mom has always been an example to me and my sisters of a strong, determined, loving, and independent woman. She taught us what it means to love by the loving care that she showed towards us as children.

As a single mother, she worked very hard to make sure that we had everything that we needed. We never went without food, clothing, or any of the necessities of life. She worked two or three jobs at times to make sure of that. My mom made an earnest living for herself and for her children.

Because I saw her work so hard and extend herself even when she was tired, I always wanted to grow up and be able to take care of her. She was putting forth such a great effort to provide for us that I wanted to be able to honor her – even as a child. I always told myself that I would work hard too, get a good education, get a good job, make enough money, and then buy my mom a house so that she wouldn’t have to work any more. That was my thinking as a kid. And if I don’t get to buy that house while I’m living, she’s set to get it when I die. My was (and still is) a hard worker. It was (and is) evident.

I learned the value of hard work from her. I also learned the importance of family. I have so many great memories of being together with my family. We had a good childhood. I especially remember the times when the entire extended family would come together every single week (sometimes twice a week) at my grandmother’s home. It was so much fun being together – aunts, uncles, cousins, even some of the neighborhood friends would join us. It was the place to be – together.

My mom also taught us the importance of faith. She made sure we learned the principles of God’s teachings from the Bible. Even though she had to miss some Sunday services because of work, she still made sure that we were right there in church services every single week with our grandmother and that we actively participated in the works there.

She also reminded us to never forget to be thankful for what the Lord has blessed us with and to never sit down for a meal without thanking God for it. To this day, I always thank God for the meals that he provides – whether I bow my head and close my eyes, whether I keep my eyes open, whether I pray aloud or silently. (It’s possible to pray without others knowing that you are. We can talk to God all day long without ever bowing a head or closing an eye.) My mom taught me the value of of being appreciative for what you have.

My mom will do everything within her power to support and show her love for her children, as best as she can. She is strong-willed. She’s funny. She is loving. She’s God-fearing. She is independent. She’s the hardest working woman that I know. And if you do know her, you are blessed for it.

Thanks for giving me and my sisters good childhood memories, mom. Thank you for taking care of us. Thank you for being there for us, no matter what.

Happy Mother’s Day, Ma. I love you!

“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.” – 1 Cor. 16:24

Photo by Giftpundits.com on Pexels.com