Happy Mother’s Day to the woman who has sacrificed the most for me.
My wonderful mother gave up a career, a life of shopping and pampering, and the freedom of having a life preoccupied with herself. She has spent 27 years sacrificing her desires to serve our family. She took on the responsibility of teaching my siblings and me so that she could have more time with us. She read us loads of books, patiently taught us to read and write, advised us with what classes to take, and showed us to work with excellence and delight. She made it clear that our character (especially our relationship with Jesus) is more important than anything else. She also encouraged us to be well-rounded by pursuing interests and actively changing the world for the better. She challenged us to consider ideas critically and openly to see the value of new perspectives. She exemplified learning from problems rather than running from them; praising God for the “bad” as well as the “good.” When we were still little, she taught us to clean like Grandma Huebschman ;), to cook healthfully and with creativity, to spend money wisely, and to lovingly care for a home and family. She warmly welcomes people into our home whether they stay for a meal, a party, a holiday, two years, or till death. She is creative, strong, and adventurous. She has fun with us and we have 26, 24, and 18 years of good memories together. I would have such a different life with any other mom; I’m ridiculously blessed with the one I’ve got! God is so gracious; this wonderful woman is my mom!
In case you were wondering, home schooling was absolutely successful. God did that, but I’m thankful mom set her sails day after day so that He could send the wind. We wouldn’t be the same people if she hadn’t trusted Him like that. God has made us successful: academically, relationally, physically, and spiritually. I’m proud of God’s work in our lives! My brother received scholarships and early acceptance to the Air Force Academy, so he heads out next month. But he also loves people and is loved by a godly group of young men. He has found favor at his work and in athletics for his hard work and skill. And, best of all, he pursues the Lord, and His ways, with abandon. He has a knack for writing songs and I cannot help praising God when I glimpse the heart behind his lyrics.
I’m not saying mom did the work of making my brother turn out well (God is doing that by His grace alone!). And even if mom hadn’t been there I know God could have molded my brother through a different vessel. But, Praise God!, my mom is a beautiful vessel, magnifying the Lord. Just look at us ;). He surely worked through her to make us who we are today. I’m baffled; God loves me enough to grant me the parents I have (the two best!).
I am so blessed!
Mom, though Drew heads out soon, please don’t forget that your value does not diminish and you will always have an impact on our lives. Thank you for all you have done and all you continue to do. There is no way I can repay you! 🙂 May God bless you with rest in this new season. May you reap a rich harvest from all of your work.
I love you SO much!!!
Mere
“I’ll love you forever.
I’ll like you for always.
As long as you’re living
my mama you’ll be.”
