ON MOTHER'S DAY

ON MOTHER'S DAY
I still love and miss Mama.

During the year prior to her departure, I had been able to share Christ with her, and lead her in a prayer of repentance, faith and surrender. In the following months we enjoyed the closest relationship we had ever had.

I was at school when Mama passed away. I did not get the opportunity to tell her I loved her or tell her good bye, as she slipped her moorings and sailed away. For many years, after she died, I would sit and cry as I read and re-read letters that had passed between us during my early days in Bible college. At other times, I would cry quietly as I reminisced some of those very special times that we had each other. Sometimes I would be driving down the road, when waves of emotion would rise up and overwhelm me. At other times it was just a quiet, warm remembrance that would leave me missing her, beyond words.

I am glad for the good times, and I am especially glad for the, "Jesus" moments we had together. But I still miss her. I am glad I can look back and know that I did not cause her grief, that I did not do things that caused her to worry, that I did not poison the relationship with selfish and hurtful words, actions or attitudes. God was soooo good.

I was raised to love and respect my parents, but it was the enlightenment and grace of God in my life that made it possible for me to be a blessing to her and not a burden, to be a help rather than a hindrance, a stepping stone instead of a stumbling block. Mama's life was strewn with losses and heartache, far beyond my awareness. She did not need the added suffering that comes from a poisonous tongue, a prideful disposition, a judgmental comment. She was going to leave us, way too soon, but I am glad I could give her sunshine instead of stormy upheaval, love instead of brokenness.

Some folks are so focused on selfishness that they might not even realize how much suffering they have caused for a loving mother. The good news is, if you have a parent that is still alive, it is not too late for you to do the right thing. Gifts, words, gestures are not what Mom is looking for. She is looking for true love and respect, she is looking for a relationship with her children that is not laced with grief and conflict.