To My Mother

So, I missed a Mother's Day blog.  It was kinda a busy day.  But, I don't want the year to pass without paying tribute to my own blessing in my life. 

Last night as I was sewing my curtains for the Master bedroom (the 5th set of which I have done) I realized again what a blessing my Mom is and was to me.  As a kid, I remember playing with my Fisher Price Little People at her side as she sewed some thing or another--smocked dresses or suits, ballerina costumes, etc.  Then later on as a teenager, I had an interest in making my own clothes and I had to learn to use the sewing machine anyway before I could drive.  She taught me how to take measurements, layout and cut patterns and sew all sorts of things.  (Zippers on the other hand, I watched her do.)  This skill has saved me thousands of dollars.  And, yes, I mean thousands. 

I also just discovered I had ants all over my bell peppers in the garden.  As I sprinkled 7-dust on them, I was again reminded of my mother.  Growing up we always had a small plot for vegetables.  She mainly and  always planted Better Boy tomatoes.  This year, I finally had the place and the energy to put some of my own tomato plants as well and only because of her, I knew exactly what to sprinkle the plants with and how to pinch off the suckers. 

Since my mind had been there all evening, I began to think about what was the main thing that my Mom taught me.  Immediately, I thought of Sunday evenings.  They were laid back dinners and usually not eaten at the table since we usually had a big lunch of roast beef, carrots and potatos.   That evening without a hint or suggestion she would make a roast beef sandwich for my Dad as he watched something on TV, 60 minutes I think it was.  I remember several times asking her, "Why can't he make it himself?"  I don't really ever remember her exact answer and I never really understood it because I was too self-centered, but it was unconditional love.  Love that is sacrificing and filled with the desire to serve others out of love.  Not because she had to, but because she wanted to and it wasn't for her own personal gain or a "look at me and how much I do" attitude.   It's the best lesson she ever taught me, but I never understood it until I had a family of my own.

So, when I feel like I don't want to match one more pair of socks, heat up one more plate of chicken nuggets, put away 5 pairs of shoes or pick up thousands of tiny LEGOS, I remember my mother and how she did it for twice as many kids as I have. 

There is a beautiful crown covered in jewels waiting for her in heaven.   For not only does she have faith that can move mountains, she also has the heart of Jesus in Mark and Isaiah--the Servant. 

"Whoever wishes to be first among you shall be servant of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."  Mark 10:44

Yesterday as I was reading Dietrich Bonnhoeffer's biography in a chapter on leadership I came across the perfect quote.  He said, "The good leader serves others and leads others to maturity.  He puts them above himself, as a good parent does a child, wishing to lead that child to someday be a good parent."  Absolutely, my mother did this and still does.  I know that I am a better parent because of her. 

I love you Mom!  Happy Mother's Day again.