Happy Birthday Mom

Girl Fishing, John Singer Sargent
One of Mom's favorite artists

Mom is going to kill me for doing this, but I have to remember her birthday via my blog. I am forever at a loss when it comes to honoring, gifting... showing my gratitude toward my mother. There's no possible way I can do it, as this earthy body and brain are just not capable of it. I bought her a Christian music CD... another "fail". Even if it was a great one, would it have really shown her how I feel about her life? Not even close. At any rate, it's Mom's birthday today. Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of Dad's death. I don't believe she'll be able to enjoy today at all... or even a bit, but I'm going to try.

I wrote a poem for her several years back, for Mother's Day. I won't publish that poem, as it was written for her, and she may not want me to do that (writing this post is going to be pushing it). I have to say that this poem truly happened, not physically, but very much spiritually. Basically I was in prayer, asking the Lord what I should do with my life. I had, and continue to have, a heart for foreign missions... but I wanted to know what "career" I should choose. Now. I guess the poem really does say it better, but the Lord began to show me my mother. He showed me how she had impacted so many lives... quietly, humbly. He showed me that, becoming a doctor, a lawyer... a famous artist, would not hold a candle to becoming a Godly woman like my Mom, the stay-at-home, wife and mother.

I thought of Proverbs 31 (and not the portion that talks about giving strong drink to the sick of heart =)) and how my Mom fit that mold so beautifully. At any rate, I have not become this woman, at least not as of now. My children will not rise up and call me blessed. Rather, given the chance, they most likely would rise up and call me nuts. Yes, I do get up while it's still night, but usually because of a hot flash, not to prepare food for my family. I do not consider a field for purchasing and planting crops. I do, however, consider a dress from Etsy.com, and purchase it for Christmas... for me. In short, I have not become my Mom yet. I do hope to at least come close before I leave this planet.

Happy birthday Mom.

The Wife of Noble Character (Proverbs 31:10-31)

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.