“Once upon a time” such a familiar start to a story. I think the writers used it because they had such a hard time starting their story. That’s the way I feel this Mother’s Day. The words have been in my heart for the last few weeks but they have been unable to make it to my hands.
My sisters and I were with our mother about a month ago today as she took her last breath of earthly atmosphere and breathed her first breath of heavenly paradise. It has been hard, of course, but we have certainly been comforted by knowing her faith in Christ has been realized in sight. So many friends and family have reminded us through cards, donations, flowers, and prayers that God is aware of our grief and He has comforted us by means of the arms and hearts of those who love us and loved our mother.
As I spent time a few days after mom’s funeral cleaning out her room at the assisted living center I found a pure treasure. Inside the book “God’s Story, Your Story” by Max Lucado that was among the stack of devotional readings she read each day, Mom had written this inside the front cover “Completed in three days. You want to keep reading- one (maybe the best) near the top. I really enjoyed trying to find how my story fits in.” Reading this inscription absolutely opened a flood in my heart. If she had only known how many times we had heard just over the last few days of how mom had blessed people’s lives. We continue to receive notes, letters, and pictures all with the same sentiment - “your mom made such a difference in my life, in my walk with God, etc.”
Since that day just a few weeks ago it seems everywhere I turn, I see something about “your story”. Whether it be on a random television show, a passage in a book or even on a billboard seen driving down the road, I am reminded of the story I am writing of my life. I am reminded of how my mom’s story intertwines with mine.
I cannot do justice to her life with this one narrative. Her life, her story is much greater than this. Not great as the world sees greatness. She never wrote a book or blog. She never had a lot of money to be noticed by others. She never traveled too far from her home. BUT as my oldest daughter Heather stated “Grandma influenced so many by her quiet obedience.” That was truly it. Mom was quietly obedient. Doing the small, seemingly insignificant daily tasks like they were the most important things on the planet. Yet they were noticed, even while she didn’t mean for them to be!
I want to follow my mother’s example of quiet obedience. Kara wrote a Mother’s Day poem this year that was a perfect reminder of while she and Heather watched me when little, they still do. I want my story to be God’s story. I want my daughters, my grandchildren, my family, others I encounter to see God in my daily walk with quiet obedience.
While this is a difficult Mother’s Day, I think more than ever I am so thankful for a mother who was quietly, faithfully obedient. God’s story was my mom’s story. What greater legacy could she have left!
