Next week is my mom’s birthday. My hosts daughter asked how old she was and to see a picture of her, to which she replied, “She doesn’t even look old!” That’s right, my mom is beautiful. The love of Jesus shines so brightly through her; it illuminates her inner most being and shows through every little thing she does.
I see Jesus in my mom often, but one of the examples I want to focus on is the parable of the prodigal son. That was me. I told my parents I wanted nothing to do with them and I left; after a few years of partying I realized how good I’d had it back home. I vividly remember talking with my mom on the laundry room, crying. I wanted to come home, but I was so scared they wouldn’t let me back in.
“Of course you can come home! You’re my daughter and I love you.”
Wow, after everything I’d done and said to her, she still wanted me to come home. She desired our relationship to develop more. She accepted me back, arms wide open and heart ready to take on any hurts I’d experienced.
She and my dad made me feel welcome, loved, and cared for. They were there to pick up the pieces of my broken heart and help me work through my issues to become a better person.
My mother showed a love that only Jesus could’ve given her. She loved me despite the hurtful things I’d said or done to her. She welcomed me into her life again, arms wide open. Even when we weren’t talking she brought a bag full of Christmas presents to my grandmas house for me. I didn’t deserve that, and I earned none of the love she continued to pour out over me.
That’s why I see Jesus in my momma. She loves without fear. She forgives despite the circumstance. She goes out of her way to help people.
I’m not biased or anything, but God truly blessed me when He chose to put us together as a mother/daughter pair. She’s my best friend, and I’m so thankful for her.
The last time I saw my mom. This is shortly before her and my dad would head home and leave me in Atlanta. I’m so thankful for that last hug!
