Birthday Reflections on My Mom

Today is my mom's birthday, and I'm missing her especially on this day. I wish I were close by so I could treat her like the queen she is.

It's amazing to me how like my mom I am finding myself these days. Almost every way I go about being a wife and mother is patterened in some way after her. I find myself doing some things only because "that's the way my mom does it." And when I look back on all of the major memories in my mind's eye, I see countless moments - parties, holidays, vacations, birthdays, supper-time, cleaning, working, school programs, Sunday School programs - all made so special and memorable by my mom. Sometimes I find those memories so pleasant and wonderful that I actually wish I could be that little girl again. One of my favorite memories is just being home, probably on a snowy day before Christmas, maybe playing school by myself, or reading, or typing up that year's family Christmas program (LOL). It's one of my favorite memories because I felt safe, secure, and simply loved being at home. It is so true that parents provide security for their chidlren (or a lack of). My parents obviously succeeded. What 24-year-old actually wants to be 12 years old again? (Just for a moment!)

As much as women today don't want to acknowledge it, only a woman, a mother, can create such a warm, inviting, safe place for her children. This is the way God has made men and women. My mom spent 20 years making me feel safe; she did it in a myriad of ways, many of them seemingly insignificant. But, I know what a gift it was to me, and by God's grace I will give the same gift to my own children.

Even though she has 3 grandchildren, my mom is far from an empty-nester. This is another reason why I admire her so very much. In a world full of people, even Christians, who live life for retirement and a life of luxury and ease, my mom and dad yeilded to God's plan for their lives and became new parents once again in March of this year - this time to two precious 10 and 11 year-old boys. Consequently, my mom is probably the busiest woman I know, and her strength and energy make my head swim!

As a wife and a mom, I am beginning to faintly realize how much of a servant I must be if I want to be a godly wife and mother. And I have long known that my mom has done many thankless tasks for her family. I am so blessed to have the mom God gave me. God used her to shape and influence the person that I am. And she continuess to be one of my greatest supporters, comforter, confidant and friend. She is precious to me, and I love her.