Now moving out of procrastination, something I wish I’d done long ago is express to my mom more of my love, gratitude, and admiration for her. I recall so much about her and consciously tap into the wisdom she had to share.
Since Mother is in heaven, I’ve asked the Lord to tell her how I feel. One day, I can do that too! (She’ll probably shriek with joy when she sees me, because after we left home, that’s what she always did as we walked in the back door.)
Mother loved the Lord and she did not procrastinate. Two attitudes illustrate her diligence.
“You have it. Use it!”
She saw a new dress hanging in my closet. “Oh, I like that! I haven’t seen you wear it.” “Well, I haven’t worn it yet.” “What are you saving it for? You have it – wear it!”
This approach applied to anything. You have china? Use it. Don’t save it for special occasions. You can carry a tune? Lead the singing. It even applied to grass. Our front yard was the kickball field for the neighborhood. One friend said, “Those kids are ruining your yard. Look at that big bare spot.” Mother responded, “It’s okay! That’s second base. We can have grass when the children are grown.”
“Do what you can.”
I stood in the dining room, fabric spread over the table. Mother said, “I am not a good seamstress, but I do know how to lay out a pattern well. I will teach you that much.”
Whether it was listening to a hurting heart, baking a cake for a family, or driving immediately to someone’s home when called (“When somebody needs you, they need you NOW.”) she would do what she could. It might not be the whole of what was needed, but she did what she could.
Moms, my experience indicates your children will remember your positive influence. Ladies, I urge you to express your loving appreciation to your own mom now.
Using what she had and doing what she could, my mother impacted many lives deeply. My life is one of them and I am very grateful. I want to be like that. Thank you, Mother! Thank you, Lord!
Happy Mother’s Day, mothers! And to our mothers! And to all sisters who nurture others and bless their souls!
What’s something you could share about your mom?
Beautifully expressed! I thank the LORD for my mom. She was never organized ( this apple does not fall far from the tree) but she was dedicated to helping us grow up safe and happy. She worked hard and prayed for us. She is still here to hug so I hug her every chance I get and thank her for being my mom.
Oh, Rebecca, those hugs might mean more to your mom than anything. Enjoy every one of them! We never outgrow the need for heart-felt hugs, do we? Her dedication bore good fruit.
When someone was in need, Mama always made a meal to take over. I know she learned it from her mother and grandmother and now I see my daughters carrying on that expression of caring and love. My daughter, Liz, has my great-grandmother’s cast iron skillet that has been used by each generation. I like to imagine that it has been a part of the heritage of caring that is being passed down through the women in our family.
What a legacy! How wonderful to see your daughters continuing such care for others! The cast iron skillet is a visual – and weighty! – reminder for Liz of her heritage. That is so neat!