Growing up, I used to look around me

At the friends of my mom and moms of my friends.

There were all kinds of moms.

But in the ’50’s there wasn’t as much variety as there is now.

Some moms stayed at home, others worked.

Most of the ones who worked were teachers, like my mom.

As I grew older I started to notice something else.

Some moms were patient and calm

Others didn’t seem to have much of that gift.

It didn’t seem to make a huge difference  whether they worked or not.

Some moms seemed like they enjoyed caring for their home and family.

Others seemed to find it to be a burden.

I watched the former group as much as I could.

When their children said funny things, they laughed.

Sometimes they stopped and gave them a hug.

Their homes weren’t perfect, but they had some order about them. stop

They made time to look around and participate in their community,

Their church, to help out their neighbors and friends.

They were fun to be around, even if they tended to be more introverted and quiet.

They were able to look around them and see the needs of others

To step outside themselves and minister the love of Christ.

I remember loving to be around some of these women.

I didn’t know them all well

But I found excuses to be near them whenever it was possible.

They tended to love on me…and I ate it up.

No, not a lot of hugging.  Just interest in ME!

I never felt like a project.  I don’t think they thought they were doing anything special.

They just were themselves…the women GOD was making them to be.

They weren’t preachy.

But I learned things about being a woman and mother from each one of them…as I watched.

They saw me as a human being made in GOD’s image (and might not have even said it that way)

They related to me in kind and loving ways when I was in their home.

They showed me Jesus in human form…nothing perfect, just real.

Thanks Ada, Mary Lee, Anne, Joan, and the many of you along the way who loved me in ways you probably weren’t even aware.

You lit the way and I saw something of Jesus in you through your love, hospitality, desire to communicate truth (in Sunday School) or just by your simple lifestyle.

Most of you are now in heaven rejoicing in the presence of Christ.  I look forward to joining you all there in due time.

How are you living out the life of Jesus in you?

How do the friends of your children see Christ’s love when they are in your home?

When did we see you a stranger and invite you in,

or needing clothes and clothe you?  

When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you,

whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine,

you did for me.’  

Mathew 25:38-40 NIV