As long as I have a decent memory, March will be a pretty good month for me. I say that because a handful of people that are very close to me all have their birthdays this month, including both of my parents. Thus the statement, “IF I have a good memory”. Today is my mom’s birthday, and it’s also the first day of spring. I always thought that was fitting. Anyway, it’s hard to tell the story of people that you’ve lived with your entire life, but I’ll see if I can’t pick out at least one big idea.
Both of my parents taught for over 30 years. I can’t imagine doing anything for 30 years, but part of the reason for that may be the fact that I’m not even 25 yet. When my parents decided to retire a couple of years ago, I was curious where they would head to next. They were both still pretty young, so Florida wasn’t an option, and I knew they couldn’t sit still for too terribly long. Before the seasons even had a chance to change, my parents found a new career, but a fairly similar calling. The other day, I wrote about Nanay Arsi and the type of people that are just nurturers and mothers to anyone. So, I’ll tell you a little about Momma Miller.
One day my parents were talking about a few things they would love to see our home church do more of. The biggest point my mom brought was the idea of a welcome ministry and a group of people that would know our congregation as individuals, even the ones that come rarely. The good news is that our church is small enough to where someone like my mom could know all of the members and their families. The bad news is that our church is small enough to be short staffed and lacking in payroll funds. However, that didn’t really deter my mom. After 30 years of teaching, I don’t think she was looking for the new career just yet.
Within a matter of weeks, all the families had met Tina, and all the college students and young adults had been hugged by Momma Miller. I’m not even lying, when I mentioned who my mom was to some people that were my age, you would’ve thought Justin Bieber had just walked into a middle school dance. I heard all about my mom and how loving she was. With my being away from home so much, there are times when I’ve just wanted a motherly presence, so I know what these students are talking about. While no one could ever replace my mom, I’ve been incredibly blessed to have mothers all over the world. Part of me believes that is just the return on my mom’s investment on the people back home.
The coolest part of all of this is watching a natural gifting in my mom become a “kingdom” gifting as she has opened herself up to more of God’s ministry. It wasn’t long before funds were moved around and my mom was offered a job at the church. Since then, she’s just been using her talents and gifts to strengthen our church and fill any gap that’s needed. It’s even been fun to watch her come up with a few outreach ideas to help the communities surrounding our area. I know my mom would love for my brother or I to live close to home, but even our distance won’t stop her from being a mother to someone.
So, today I get to celebrate my mom’s birthday from the opposite side of the world, but I hope that doesn’t make this day any less special. What can you expect when you read, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” to me all growing up. I’m here because you made me believe I could be. Thanks Mom, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
