Soon I will gain a second mother. What a gift having one mother has been – I’m only beginning to see the blessing of having another. She is a woman I know little about, but of several characteristics I can be certain:
Caring. As a mother of five children, three of them teenage daughters, her pursuit of their hearts is always crystal clear. Her tone of voice as she calls each by their special nicknames reveals the heartfelt sentiment only a mother can have for her young. The protectiveness that follows is no surprise, for it protrudes only from a deep, intimate connection I am convinced exists differently for a mother and daughter than a mother and son. Growing up in a family with two brothers and no sisters, I have never seen so clearly this side of a mother’s love for her daughters. Not at all to say that a mother loves her son any less, but one can clearly observe a type of sisterhood that exists solely as a common bond through gender alone. The same can be said of the bond between father and son.
Serving. With three athletic teenage daughters, opportunities to serve them are endless. Driving to and from school, practices, and games – not to mention entire weekend trips out of town for tournaments – are a common occurrence for this special woman. Although at times she may feel as though these activities have control of her schedule, as anyone might, she commits to giving her time to allow her daughters to pursue their desired activities. As a result, her daughters shine. I am convinced the giving of her time and energy to this end comes as second nature to her, because besides the natural inclination to watch her young showcase their various talents and gifts, she is driven to help them succeed. What better way to lead her children than by serving them? And not only in visible ways.
Praying. Also invisible ones. My own mother has confessed to praying for me and my brothers more than for herself. There is no doubt in my mind my new mother does the same for her children (and for me, too, I’m sure). Paul’s command to the church in Philippi to “pray ceaselessly” takes on new meaning when heard through the ears of a mother, and the presence of this action is as clear as day in this Godly woman. Her sensitivity to the Spirit is evident even in her everyday speech, giving a glimpse of how she tenderly ministers on behalf of her daughters – the same way Christ ministers on our behalf.
I say these things not to earn a place in her heart, for I know that requires much more than a few kind words. I say them because her heart has already made room for me in it, and for that I am blessed.
Filed under: heart
Thank you for your kind words! My duty, however, is best done behind the scenes where I work for our Master who sees and knows and enables.
Zach – you are in my head and in my heart more than you know. Christ has done this, for that I am very thankful!
We welcome you with love to our imperfect family! Walk with us into this adventure and a future, where we will certainly need Christ’s healing and forgiveness and are already experiencing the joy and broadness, that your own life offers to us. Can’t wait for many more chapters to be written on our journey together with our beloved children. I am truly blessed!