"My mother's gentle love...Oh, how I thank my Lord above...for my mother's gentle love!"
Lately, I have been thinking about the love, support, and encouragement of my mother. I have scrolled through pictures and with each snapshot, I see many things that her love has taught me. She has been a wonderful, Godly example to me through the years. So, on this Mother's Day and every other day of the year, I say,
"Thank you, dear Mother of mine, for all your tender care and ways! I love you!"
You taught me how to love my husband and submit to his leadership. You taught me how to be his helpmeet.
You taught me how to be friends with my sister, knowing "that someday you will be miles apart and then you will wish you could be in the same room!"
You taught me how to simply celebrate life. You showed me how to make others feel special by the little things.
You taught me the importance of honoring our grandparents and family. I am so thankful for the memories of our dear family and the Godly heritage that you and Dad have passed to us.
You taught me how to cook and bake. You taught me to laugh at my mistakes and learn from them! I never fail to look twice at baking powder and baking soda after the biscuit mishap. Every time I trip, I tend to feel hysterical laughter rise in my throat after I know that I didn't hurt anything.
You taught me to hunt for bargains. Another's trash can be my treasure no matter how old it is.
You taught me how to pack a box and accept change with grace. You made home a place of warmth and comfort no matter the size and style of our house.
You taught me the importance of special family traditions. You taught me the importance of dropping everything to spend time with friends and family.
You taught us to use our talents for the Lord in whatever way is possible. You taught us how to sing from hearts full of thankfulness and praise for God's wonderful works.
You taught me the importance of serving the Lord no matter the cost. You taught me to love past the hurts of ministry to others. You taught me it was ok to cry when I was hurt or happy.
You taught me the importance of prayer. How many times we saw the Lord answer and provide!
You taught me to be affectionate to my loved ones.
You taught me it is always the best feeling coming home to those you love. You taught me to appreciate the coziness of a home filled with a burning candle.
You taught me how to dress and find delight in being a little girl, who would then know how to act and dress as a grown woman.
You taught me to take time with those you love.
You taught me to notice details. You taught me to set goals and then wait for God to give His direction.
You taught me that some days you need another set of hands to ease the load.
You taught me to love reading, which in turn gave me a love for teaching. You taught me that our children are the biggest ministry responsibility I have.
You taught me that mothers do know what is best. You were so right about how much I could miss my sister...and now my mother! You taught me that it is important to share the stories of our family...of our past.
You taught me to be silly. I still remember the 52 Pick Up game as Uno cards went flying out of your hands. I will say...technology has brought even funnier moments!
You taught me a love for our heritage.
You taught me how to prepare healthy meals. You taught me to always have a dessert option for company, special occasions, and for no good reason! You taught me that fruit can be dessert!!! You taught me to appreciate a good cup of coffee...or a cold, can of pop.
You taught me to be supportive to the ministries of our church. You taught me that God deserves our best, not our cast offs. You taught me to pray for those in authority over us. You have taught me that we are sinners saved by grace and we will make big mistakes. You have taught me what forgiveness is and how important it is!
You taught me how to care for sick children by always finding ways to ease the discomfort. You taught me that little things are important. You taught me to seek counsel from those who know more than I do.
You taught me how to sew and be crafty! You taught me to be creative by including me in many different situations in life.
You taught me how to wear make-up, fix my hair, do my nails, and be presentable when going out and about. You did not, however, teach me to shave my legs. You taught me how to do simple first aid.
You taught me to be content in our home. You taught me to appreciate flowers...in a vase or in the garden.
You taught me that God is God on the mountain and in the valley. You taught me that God's grace is always sufficient. You taught me to be faithful...
to God, to my husband, to my family, to my church, to my friends, and to my country.
Thank you for being the wife that you are to your husband...because of that relationship...you have been blessing to your family!
All my love,
Kari
