Today I find myself reflecting on my own mother as I prepare to make the transition into a mother myself.
When I ponder about what type of mother I will be and what type of mother I would like to strive to be, I find myself blessed with such an amazing example. A mother-daughter relationship is rarely a simple one, but it could possibly be one of the most important ones in our society. A mother teachers her daughter how to be a friend, wife, and mother. For me, my mother is a constant source of guidance.
As I reflect on our relationship, I wondered to myself, what is the MOST important thing I have learned from my mother. I could go on for days discussing the valuable life lessons my mother has taught me, but today I realized the most important thing she has ever taught me….to love God.
My mother’s faith has always inspired me. She has not only taught me how to love God by teaching me about God, but she shows me each and every day that she loves God by her actions. Like the saying goes, actions speak louder to words. Her actions are deafening. This is the most priceless and important gift a mother can provide to her child. Our relationship with God is the single most important relationship we have, and if I can teach my daughter to love God as my mother has loved God, I too will be a successful mother.
Thank you, Mom, for being who you are. Words can’t even begin to express how much I appreciate everything you have done for me in my life. You are such an amazing example in my life. As I begin my journey as a mother myself, I look forward to continuing to look to you for help and comfort. It may have taken me 22 years to learn this, but momma truly knows best.
I would like to leave you all with a piece of scripture that really spoke to me today. Galatians 5:19-27 (NIV):
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
When I think of my mother, I think of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Her love for God is evident in her actions and who she is. Thank you for being a constant example to me. I will continue to strive to live not of the flesh but of the spirit, so someday my daughter can look to me and describe me with these very traits.
I love you Mom.
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