The Shaping Hands of Mothers

The older I get, the more I realize I have been shaped by my mom. Although I am not a mom, I have faith in Jesus because of my mom. I value homecooking because of my mom. My mom taught me to budget shop and save money. My mom continually models selfless service and sacrifice. My mom is a faithful prayer warrior and a steady encourager. My mom is a great nana to my brother's kids and so thoughtful in the way that she interacts with them. My mom is wise in all areas, and especially in health. My mom knows the Bible inside and out and models regular time in it. My mom walks daily, even though she has pain. My mom is a beautiful pianist and taught me how to play the piano. My mom can sing harmony with or without music, and knows hundreds of hymns. My mom works tirelessly, sometimes to her own detriment, but because she values excellence. I love my mom and I am so thankful for her!

Now that I am married, I am shaped by my mother-in-laws. I have spent less time with them than with my own mom, but I am shaped by the vast quantities of time I spend with their son, my husband. They value communication and joy. They like to celebrate holidays. They have shaped my husband into a flexible, empathetic, caring human who cares for me. They have taught him about food and travel and appreciating the little things. My life is enriched because of the ways that they enriched the life of my husband. 

I give thanks for the other mothers in my life, too: for my sister-in-law for the great wife she is to my brother, and the great mother she is to my adorable niece and nephew. She is so creative and caring! It gives me great joy to see the ways that she is raising them in the Lord. 

On the other side of my family, I have sisters-in-laws who share family recipes and teach me about the culture of my husband's family. They bring to me experiences that are meaningful to my husband, and enrich my life. Thank you, sisters-in-law!

I value my friends who are mothers, too. They give and sacrifice and give some more. What a delight to see them also raising their children to know Jesus!

So on this Mother's Day, I give thanks to God for all the mother's in my circle: my own mother, my husband's mothers, my sister-in-law, and my friends who are mothers. You are all doing a great job, and I send all of you my love.

Happy Mother's Day!