I had the joy of being able to honor my mom at our church on Mother's Day. She is deserving of much honor and so I want to post what I shared that day for those who didn't hear it. (It's a bit long so I'll spread it out over a couple of days.
Before I share though, I just want to take a quick second to encourage you as you read it to think of things that you can thank God for regarding your own mother, and then take some time to thank Him. For some, I know this may be quite difficult as your mom may have sinned against you in grievous ways and thinking of her may bring more pain that joy. In those circumstances, it's not easy to be thankful. Still, I pray that the Lord will bring fresh grace to you as you consider God's promise that "for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).
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Mom, I know that you are probably thinking that you aren’t deserving of honor as you are still wanting to grow as a mom, but I want you to know that you are having an unmatched influence on my life and the lives of my children. There is no one who has impacted me more as a mother than you.
As I’ve thought about the influence you have had on me, I have become freshly inspired for my own role as a mother. Looking at your life has reminded me that what I’m sowing towards today can bear fruit not just for 5 or 18 years, but for generations to come.
There are countless lessons that I’ve learned from you about being a woman who honors the Lord with her mothering. I’ve learned from the way you devoted yourself to building a relationship with me when I was a little girl. Whether it was reading to me for hours, or teaching me Bible stories through the fun flannel-graph, or making a “Rainy-day box” of unique activities for us to do just on dreary days, or establishing traditions like doing an advent calendar together each Christmas season, or helping me build tents that covered our entire living room- you devoted yourself to building a relationship with me when I was a little girl. When I think back to my childhood, it’s filled with fun and meaningful memories because of your intentional love for me.
I can still imagine your mother's loving laughter when we were being silly little girls. She is an amazing example for you, Katie. I have many fond memories of her as my "second mother" in those elementary school and then softball days:^) I remember when she helped us write our "pollution solution" rap song *lol*, or the time she encouraged us in our preparations for the Wells Fargo Wagon "talent show" piece (oh, middle school). What a mother. Thank you for taking the time to remind all of us to thank our mothers.
ReplyDeleteRebekah O'Halloran (Rebekah Britten)
Thanks, Rebekah! It's so wonderful to hear from you! I have many joyful memories of your mom too...she was always so quick to listen to us, give us a hug, and always made me feel right at home.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading your blog in the future!