Mother's Day 2015

I have been thinking all weekend about some of the most important things that my mom taught me over the years.  She has been in Heaven for many years, but is always in my heart.  I am grateful to have been her daughter.  Things mom taught me . . .

Love God - Life didn't always treat my mom "fairly" but she never lost her unwavering faith in God.  She taught us well that the most important thing in life is to love God and trust Him first.  I was 4 when mom and dad knelt with me next to a kitchen chair after Sunday dinner to ask Jesus to be my Lord and Savior.  Never diminish the decisions that children make.  I have never forgotten that day and it is the truth that has been the constant of my life all of these years.

Laugh - My mom had a great sense of humor.  I don't think I realized it so much when I was home, but I often think of things she would say and do and she was a hoot.  I guess she had to have a sense of humor with six children and a very busy life.

Laugh at yourself - Mom wasn't afraid to make a mistake and laugh about it.  Sometimes you just can't take life too seriously.

Welcome Strangers - It was not unusual when we lived in Indiana to have someone who needed a place to stay for a time to live with us or when we moved to California to have extra folks share Thanksgiving dinner with us.   I remember one man in particular in Indiana that would play the saw.  I was mesmerized by it.  He would also play spoons.  I guess if it is in your heart to make music that most any instrument will do.  Speaking of music . . .

Love music - There is nothing that will calm my anxious heart than to listen to music.  Mom taught herself to play the piano by ear when she was young and often played for special programs while in school.  She ended up going to college to major in Pipe Organ (I just found that was her major yesterday.  I just thought it was a standard music degree).  She loved to play the piano and organ.  My favorite times were sitting at the piano with her while she played and I sang very biblically - "make a joyful noise unto the Lord . . ." 

Crowd control - Mom had to do some of that with all of the children coming and going from our home, but she also ran Vacation Bible School many years, helped with summer camps and led women's groups.  One of my favorite things she did was camp cook.  Mom was an awesome cook.

Make the day about someone else - Mom always made our birthdays special. They were not elaborate, but she did something to make it just about us.  She always said, "what do you think it is your birthday or something?"  My sister's birthday was always the week before mine.  Hers would be on Monday and mine would be the next Monday.  We were 2 years and 1 week apart, but mom never celebrated our birthdays together.  Our birthday was the day that was just about us.  I loved that.  One year she had a string waiting at the front door for my older sister to follow through the house to find little presents along the way.  I couldn't wait until the next week for my birthday.  I had a clue at the front door and followed the clues to find little gifts.  It ended with a pearl ring hidden in the refrigerator.  It was a special day!

Love surprises - Mom planned a great birthday surprise for my 18th birthday.  Our family was about to have some major changes in the next few months and I am so grateful for that wonderful birthday.  I had no idea it was going to happen.  She did a good job of keeping it a secret.

Be creative - Mom loved creativity.  She wrote music, arranged music into cantatas, sewed, painted, loved ceramics, and more.  I often wonder what she would have accomplished if she wasn't so busy taking care of children.

Love being a mom - She loved being a mom and made us feel loved and cherished.

Proverbs 31:29:  "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

and I will give you rest . . .

Goodbyes are always hard!  Our son and his family headed back to the mission field on Monday.  It was a tough day.  We are so proud of them, yet my heart is still a bit sad at their going.  But, I had the joy of spending Sunday afternoon with our granddaughters.  We were enjoying the sunshine when I showed the girls how to use my camera and asked them to take pictures of their favorite things.  Our 3 year old, Sofi, chose these rocking chairs as her first try.  I love it!

I have always loved rocking chairs.  I remember as a child sitting at my mom's feet as she rocked my younger siblings.  I so wished I could still fit on her lap with the others.  Mom remembered that night, too, as we spoke about it years later.  She told me she could see the longing in my eyes to crawl up in her lap and was sorry there just wasn't a bit more room.  There is something so comforting about crawling up in the arms of another and gently rocking worries and hurts away.

As I was driving home from work today this picture came to mind.  One of Sofi's favorite things is also my favorite thing.  I was also reminded of Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  It says to me, "Come, sit on my lap.  There is plenty of room.  Rest your head against me and relax.  I am taking care of your children and I am taking care of you."

I am sitting in my rocking chair for a bit tonight and am grateful for the hours spent there holding those I love.  I sit here grateful that my Heavenly Father calls me to come rest.  I am sitting here thankful!