I think of my Mother today.
January 10th marks 65 years on this earth for her. She has been through a whirlwind of trials and joys, blessings and sorrows throughout her sixty-five years, but it hasn’t been until the past two that I personally have seen the woman that she is.
Sure, I know my mom. I could tell you funny-crazy stories of growing up in our house. I could share with you when she wasn’t happy with me when I disappointed her, or when she cried with me, when she taught me how to cook or make monkey bread, or when she protected me from the world or certain people, or when she called me by my nickname in the middle of church as a teenager, or when she…the list goes on.
But over the past two years, though it hasn’t been easy by a long shot, Mom has shone the brightest when it has been the darkest for her. You see, the love of her earthly-life, my Dad, passed away unexpectedly, suddenly one evening while serving his Lord and Savior. No one knew God was longing for his return home and on July 30, 2016, God said, “Come home, Claude.”
Whether you know it or not, you will; life is a vapor (James 4:14).
- At times, it is still hard to comprehend the reality of the milliseconds of life that occurred — here, on Earth, then standing face to face with Jesus Christ.
- I don’t claim to get it, as a family though, we live it.
(Dad & Mom: the pics just shows you their love for one another)
Dad was 64 years, 1 months and 3 days old. Today, I rejoice that Mom is 65 years, 0 months, and 0 days! I am thankful she is here, but even more, I am proud of my Mom.
I know she has had some mighty tough days, made some pretty hard decisions, cried many nights to sleep; but she has also chosen to remain in Christ.
She didn’t then nor does she know as to why Dad passed away, other than it was his God-time. But she made a choice: a choice to cling. Cling to Christ, not to self, to people, or things, but to God’s loving control for her whether she understood Him completely or not.
I have seen her walk with Christ, talk with Christ, and allowed Him to fill, strengthen, carry, uplift, hold, soothe, triumph, comfort, and win battles for her. And if that isn’t enough, in her pain, she helps others walk through their valley.
Death, no, for Dad lives. Sure we had other plans, but because we have hope, eternal life, have we a glorious reunion awaiting.
So Mom, this is really for you. Don’t cry. It is like Proverbs 31:28 says, “Her children rise up, and call her blessed.“ Thank you for putting Christ first even when nothing made sense and when it did make sense. Thank you for trusting Christ first before your own self and resting, then waiting in Him even when it took humanly –way too long. Your example shines as the candles on your cake today! 😊
Happy 65th Birthday!
We love you!
In Christ I am SHE {Saved. Hopeful. Empowered.}
In Christ I am SHE 