My Mom

Mom,

Happy Mothers Day!

I have often thought about what I would say if I was ever asked to speak at a Mother Daughter Banquet and how I would say it without bawling like a little girl the whole time.

I would talk about Mary, the Mother of Jesus. I think about Mary and what type of lady she must have been. Knowing that so many attributes in our lives are displayed in the actions of our children, I consider her attributes. When I begin to think about those attributes my mind always goes back to you and how your life must resemble the life of Mary.

Caring – Jesus was so compassionate. He always made every situation better. He stopped and healed the sick; he took time for those who were not accepted by others, he handled disputes in a way that resulted in win-win, he taught and led and example. Jesus loved His children so much that He paid the ultimate price so they could experience undeserved Grace. He Cared! Mary must have really cared for those she came in contact with.
Mom, I have watched you for many years and I know you like few others do. You have stopped in the restroom and provided a damp washcloth, a gentle rub and a prayer while Tammye and I were so sick we thought we would not live. I have also seen you take the same care and compassion with kids that were not even yours. I have watched you be the Peacemaker in our family and in the lives of others. You have an incredible ability to say the right thing so a situation will calm. Tammye and I were close when we were younger and still are to this day. That is because our Mom worked hard to keep our family united. I have heard many people tell me they loved to stop by your office at the church and have “little talks” with Ma Gary. You teach everyone you come in contact with and you never want anyone to feel left out. You have always wanted to help everyone you can. You paid a great price to work in God’s Kingdom and make a difference. While others pursued successful careers, you worked to make a difference in the lives of a bunch of crazy kids. We all experience Grace today, in part because you were there to point us in that direction. I cannot think of anyone who cares for people anymore than you.

Organized – Mary must have been incredibly organized. She also had to possess incredible training skills. She was responsible for the Savior of the world. He had to be trained properly. He had to understand right from wrong; he would be tempted in every way after all. He needed to be responsible. He had to accept the consequences of His actions. When He could have called 10,000 angels, he accepted the responsibility that was ultimately His.
When Dad told me I could go to Florida with the youth but my car would set in the driveway with a busted engine. You could have persuaded him otherwise but you understood that there would come a day when Dad would not be there to bail me out and I needed to know responsibility. You set up at night waiting on Tammye and I to get home and then you would spend time listening to our lives and offering training so we would be prepared to face life. You have always had your “list” and I must admit that The List has made a difference in our lives. You never told us we had to have a list but you led by example and now my life sometimes (a lot of times) seems out of control and I refer to “My List” to get it under control. Many times I have been called to accept responsibility for my actions. You never tried to use position or influence to change the consequences. Instead you stood beside me, helped me, loved me and offered direction that would detour me from those actions in the future.

Enabler– Mary knew when He needed to be gently pushed. She also knew when it was time to step back and allow Him to be about His Fathers business. Looking back, I see many times that you could have diverted problems because you knew the outcome would be different than I expected. You knew it was time to step back. Wow, that must have been so hard! (I have kids now…) Because of those times, I have been able to learn invaluable life lessons. There have been times that you have made gentle suggestions and you have always encouraged me to pursue my legend. Mary enabled her Son to a point that He felt He could accomplish anything He set His mind to. And He was the greatest man that ever lived. Mom you have always made me feel like I could conquer the world if I set my mind to it.

Godly – Mary must have been the most godly lady on the face of the Earth. In fact, she was so godly that she was chosen to bear and raise the Savior of the entire world. I have been blessed to have a Mom that is an incredible example of what it means to be a Christ-follower. I have watched your life and learned how to love my enemies, forgive, keep silent (although some would say this is still a work in progress), walk away when it is best and most importantly, develop a relationship with God. “If you can’t say something nice do not say anything”, how many times? Kevin, do not say that. Kevin, treat others like you want to be treated. Bubb, you have to learn to control your temper and your tongue. Kevin, stand tall and be proud of what you are. Bubb, is that the way you really feel? Kevin, act like Jesus himself is in the room with you and base your actions on that. I know how to conduct myself in a Christ-like fashion because you led me by example.

Mom, I am certain that Mary was a very special and Godly lady. I am also certain that you and Mary have a lot in common except I think you would be a better Mom. Everyday I think about you and Dad and I hope that I am making you proud. I love you and I am so proud to call you my mother. Happy Mothers Day!