12-7-07
Living for the Eternal
Mother’s Day has always been a very special holiday to me. Since we are drawing near to this special occasion, I would like to share with you a little about one who has shaped my life in many different ways. This person is my mother.
My mom taught me a lot of wonderful qualities. One of those qualities is something called “stick-to-it-ivity.” She always taught us that whatever we started we had to finish. When things got hard, she taught us to never give up. A classic example of this was when my mom discovered she had cancer on her foot, resulting in a below-the-knee amputation. Unlike many others who face devastating circumstances, she showed those around her the peace that Jesus can give. With a positive attitude, she determined not to be stopped by this set back. Today most people have no idea that she has a prosthesis.
Another quality that my mom values is hospitality. She likes to use this phrase: “Open heart, open home.” Even though many times she was not expecting company, she would still welcome them with open arms. This policy was demonstrated with a decoration of open wooden hearts outside our house. She has been a mom to many that were separated from their own. Mom has taken many meals to those who are unable to cook or for those who are less fortunate. This Thanksgiving, she fixed up plates and sent them to elderly ladies in our church.
My mom also values holiness and purity. She likes to sing the song: “Keep me pure, keep me clean, so that You may be seen.” This was so important to my mom that she took the time to home school all five of us children. She taught us that our choice of friends was very important and that we would be like those with whom we spent time.
My mom has been a registered nurse for over 30 years. Not only has she been faithful to care for people’s physical ailments, but she also very tenderly deals with everyone she meets about their never-dying souls. Mom frequently reminds us of the song that says, “Without Jesus you won’t make heaven.”
The most important thing my mom taught us is to live with “eternity’s values in view.” Because this was her passion, we grew up always giving ourselves to the ministry. When Christmas time comes, she never wants anything for herself. Her thoughts are always of others. She taught me this, even though I did not always appreciate it at the time. For instance, she would ask me, “Do you really need to buy yourself more clothes?” Mom never bought expensive home décor because she always said that this world was not her home and that she was just passing through.
Mom always would give if there was a need, even if the funds were low. “Only one life, twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” This saying was Mom’s heart throb. Mom never wanted us to just get high paying jobs and make a lot of money. She always desired that we would be in the center of God’s will; even if that meant being far away from her someday. Often she would say, “I don’t want you just to be good kids, I want you to be godly kids.”
I have watched my mom in her role as pastor’s wife and have seen many disappointments come, but she was always reminding us to allow the trials to make us better people and not bitter. Many times she would gather us around to have prayer to keep us focused on the fact that we are fighting against the devil and not people.
I am very grateful that God has given me such a godly mother. The precious things that she gave me have shaped and formed my character and my outlook on life. I am grateful for that. I want to be faithful to pass on the wonderful heritage that God has allowed me to have with those who come behind me.
Mamá, Thanks for everything you taught us!
