I am not yet finished with the book I am currently reading. It's one of thoses "savor and process" books. Each chapter stands on its own with enough for me to chew for a day or two. But today is a special day and this book makes me think about special people in my world.
The book is "Out Live Your Live-You were made to make a difference" by Max Lucado. It is written in Max Lucado's typical style of short chapters, great descriptions of Bible passages and stories about everyday people all wrapped up in a ribbon of "You won't soon forget this." The focus is on the early church in the book of Acts. It parallels how one small movement and one small group of people rocked the culture and nations of the day. He makes the point that God is still pushing us toward that today and wouldn't it be something if we all took those steps out of our boxes. One person can't do everything but what if everyone did something? Our homes, our neighborhoods, our nation and our world could not be the same. Simple acts and gifts can have eternal consequences. If you liked Crazy Love by Frances Chan, read this book too.
I love this book because it reminds me of my mom and her birthday is today. Happy Birthday Mom!
I don't think my mom would describe herself as giving. But it is one of the first words I would use to describe her. She would not like this but I am going to brag on her a little bit. For the past 2 Christmases my Mom has given to international relief organizations in each of our names. This past Christmas, she gave us the privilege of choosing the gift we wanted to give. I gave milk to babies, one of my kids gave sports equipment to kids, one of my nephews gave a water buffalo or something. So cool. When I think about babies getting the nutrition they need from my gift my heart fills. I so desparately would like to be able to hold and care for babies I know who starve and fight illnesses that are easily treatable here. I can't do that but through those gifts and my prayers a difference is made in their lives. My mom gave those gifts on behalf of the 30 something people (I have lost count) in my family.
I remember one year my mom brought my dad to help a lady put up her Chirstmas tree. I don't remember why she needed help but my mom saw a need and knew she could help.
My mom was a nurse's assistant at our local hospital while I was growing up. She went above and beyond when caring for people. She didn't just care about meeting physical needs but could give a kind word. She took care of countless newborn babies and so many mom's remember her fondly in those first days of their child's life. They knew she wasn't just giving care to those babies, she was giving love.
My mom has made each of the grandkids a baby quilt when they are born and a big quilt when they graduate from high school. These are treasures to her grandkids and some (I won't mention names, still sleep with their baby blanket) So sweet.
My mom spends many mornings at weekly breakfasts with friends she has had for years. She walks along side them as they struggle through the pain of getting older, losing their spouses and the pain of having children who have cancer. She has had friends longer than I have been on this earth and she continues to have room in her life for new ones.
My mom gives her time for her church and for a local thrift store. She loves both and is willing to commit hours of her time each week to them.
My mom has given her love, time and resources to her family (especially this daughter) and never once has she made me feel like I owed her any thing. The enemy has tried to tell me I do and that she will expect something but I know that's not why she does it. She gives because she loves. She gives and loves because she has been given much and has been loved much. She has a deep compassion for those who are hurting and it is not in her to ignore hurting people.
My mom gives everyday of her life. She is a beautiful woman. While she may not recognize it, what she does goes on farther than she knows. I know someday, Jesus will show her how all she gave has touched lives and the impact she made. She is a light and a blessing to me, my family and so many other people. I am thankful that I was able (through a few tears) to sit down and try and honor who she is today. Please consider this the hug I can't give you today. I love you mom! You are blessed!
Thank you Jesus for my mom. Hold her close, show her today how valuable, loved and precious. Bless her with many more wonderful years. "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things,but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
joy
PS My niece Rianne also shares this day with my mom as her birthday and I am proud to say she is as giving as my mom. She has a passion for the those who are often forgotten today-the elderly, the deaf, the orphans. She has a heart for Jesus and loves to share His love. She has a beautiful light in her spirit. I love you too Rianne!!!
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