I remember trips to the grocery store MANY years ago when we were all just itty bitty children. My mom would have 3 or 4 of us in/on the buggy while 1 or 2 of us walked around beside her (my youngest sister Leah wasn't born yet, so she didn't get to experience this excitement). She would shop for groceries (which let's face it, to feed the army that was her family was a LARGE amount) all while carting 5 of us around the store! I'm CERTAIN everyone who saw her felt sorry for her and never forgot her. We always made a game to see if we could sneak items into the buggy without her noticing before she paid for them and took them home. It never worked. You'd think all of her senses were occupied, but not Super Woman...couldn't get much past her! Still can't!
As we got older, we began to involve ourselves in various extra curricular activities: soccer, cheerleading, church choir, church plays, dirt bike racing, horseback riding, etc. Not ONCE did my mother ever tell any of us that we couldn't participate in an event/activity that we wanted to. All six of us were involved in something ALWAYS! But you know, I never remember a time when my mother wasn't there to support me. She somehow found a way to be in 6 places at once. She was always the face I looked for in the crowd; always the arms I reached for after an event, especially if it hadn't gone like I wanted. On those days/nights when I wanted to quit, she would calmly listen, give me advise, and tell me that she wouldn't allow me to quit; that I was to always finish whatever I had started to the best of my ability. I resented that many, many, times over my childhood, but I appreciate it so much now. That was a life-long lesson that I needed to learn: perseverance in times of hardship. I have my momma to thank for that and SOOOOO many other things! Throughout my childhood, I never remember my momma trying to be my friend...in anything really. She never tried to "make" me like her; never tried to buy/bribe my affection or loyalty. My momma never pushed me to be something I wasn't. She wasn't afraid to tell me the difference between right and wrong. She wasn't afraid to stand her ground and fight a battle with me, knowing that she knew what was best whether I liked it or not. There were many nights that I remember my momma crying with hurt feelings, frustration, exhaustion, but never did I ever have to wonder where she stood on any given matter. I was a stubborn child (to put it mildly). Of the 6 of us, I quite possibly, was the most dogmatic. However, I never became the "rebel" child that so many do during their high school and college years. I think, truthfully, it's because my momma would get truly, genuinely, deeply hurt by our failures. It crushed her. To see such a strong woman painted with pain, hurt, sadness because of ME...well that just did it for me. I couldn't do that to her. She already endured enough on my behalf. The pain she endured on my behalf makes me realize how much I love and appreciate her now.
To this day, whenever I am upset about something, I will call her or go to her for advise. Momma never tells me what I want to hear. She never flat-out agrees with me. Instead, she forces me to see the world through different eyes; the eyes of whatever circumstance and/or person has peeved me. I tend to be ready with claws out running to the defense of those I love...not Mom. She helps me see things the way I should see them instead of the way I want to see them. (I hope I can do this for Elsirae...I'll need prayer starting YESTERDAY!!!)
I could go on for DAYS singing my Momma's praises because, I think, besides my husband she is my favorite person in the world! She has taught me many, many, things. I aspire to be a mother just like her to my precious Elsirae...Jesus, help me!!! Here are a few of my favorite lessons from my heroine mother:
1. Always put on make-up and a decent outfit before leaving the house. You never know who you will run into.
2. Appearances aren't everything, BUT you should always put forth your best effort.
3. Modesty is attractive.
4. Humility is attractive.
5. Be genuine always, saying what you mean and meaning what you say...but be considerate.
6. Love others, despite their many flaws.
7. Give selflessly, especially when you don't feel like it.
8. Pray constantly for those you love. Prayer WORKS!
9. Read your Bible and seek God daily...especially the book of Proverbs. Wisdom is the KEY! :)
10. Sing always. There's a song for EVERYTHING!!!
11. The Lord, Your God comes and goes before ALL others...ALWAYS!
I know what you're thinking: this woman sounds a lot like Jesus. Well, that's because she is! Like I said...closest thing to Him that I know! Whenever I read Proverbs I'm reminded of my mother. Mostly because it's her FAVORITE book of the Bible, but also because chapter 31 verses 10-31 describe my mother in scary detail. She is THAT woman and I am so grateful to have been blessed to be the fruit of her womb! I love you, Momma!!! Happy Mother's Day!!!
