I’ve heard it said that there are two types of people in this world; those that give, and those that take.
Growing up I was always the one taking. Whether that was taking naps, taking my brothers pacifier and hiding it just because I could, taking the easy way out because I didn’t want to be put in a situation where I might not succeed, or taking advantage of all the blessings I had been given since birth, I was a taker.
Giving did not come naturally. Sharing was not a thing I did, and preferring others above myself was definitely not a characteristic I possessed.
This was the stubborn and prideful nature with which I was born, and to which I held on tightly for as long as I could. It made me feel secure and in control, independent and self sufficient.
But there was a person in my life who was a giver— who spent every day giving everything she had just so that I could keep taking. She never kept anything for herself or asked for anything in return. She simply gave– and what is more, she gave joyfully and without hesitation.
And in all of her giving, she taught me about life and love, and what it means to be like Christ in a world that is full of brokenness and sin.
She taught me that people always take priority over things.
That true love is unconditional.
That forgiveness must be sincere.
That we have no guarantee of tomorrow, and so we must choose to love deeply and fully today.
That life isn’t fair… You can’t choose what happens to you, but you can always choose how you respond.
That chocolate, icecream, and potato chips really do fix any problem you might be having 😉
That one smile is all it takes to brighten a room and change someone’s day.
That through our struggles we are strengthened and built up in a way that equips us to help others cross that same bridge later on.
That wisdom comes with age and experience.
That the bond created between a mother and child is strongest of them all.
That saying “I’m sorry” is a sign of respect and humility, and it ultimately breaks down the walls of pride in our hearts.
That saying “I love you” every single day (even when, in the moment, we may not like each other) is necessary and makes all the difference in the world.
I know that the Bible talks a lot about the definition of love, and what it looks like to love and honor one another above yourself. It talks about how love is sacrifice and selflessness. Love is laying down your life for another. Love is exactly what Jesus demonstrated for us on the cross when He gave everything so that we could take and receive the freedom He was offering us.
In my life, I can say that this very woman that I speak of has daily shown me that exact type of love– the very love that Jesus tells about in His Word. She has given me a love that is patient, kind, and cares more for others that it does for itself. A love that never gives up, that always looks for the best, and that rejoices with the truth. A love that always protects, always hopes, always trusts, and always perseveres.
And tomorrow just so happens to be this incredible woman’s birthday.
And so, my dearest mother… as I celebrate your special day from far away, know that I love you so very much. Know that you are the greatest example and role model that I’ve ever met. Know that you have completely changed me for the better from the inside out. Know that it is my personal mission to one day be able to love others the way that you have loved me.
Happy birthday to the most beautiful, selfless, and wise mother that I know.
Because of you, I am now a giver.
I love you, Mom!
