Notice I’ve changed my code this year. Can’t keep the same one. The Internet is awash with all sorts of skullduggery. So even though I bravely insert my picture (which really is completely unlike me—my hair is more like Chris Archer’s actually and I don’t usually suck my forefinger), I don’t want to compromise you. (These first two paragraphs are vaguely similar to your sister’s, because my creativity is dwindling.)
Wonder why I risk wishing you Happy Mother’s Day so publicly? Two reasons. One, everyone who reads this gets to know what a wonderful daughter and mother I believe you are. You deserve it. Two, I get a blog out of the way. I deserve it. Killing two birds with one stone, you know? For some reason today (maybe it’s that horse in my backyard), I’m thinking of animals—and of you as . . .
a mother lioness. (Not wanting to appear illiterate, I had to look up “lioness” to be sure it didn’t mean mother lion. It doesn’t. Just female lion. Otherwise, I’d be redundant. Better look that up too. Come to think of it, I guess “mother lioness” is a bit redundant ’cause you can’t have a father lioness. Oh well, get what I mean?)
Mother lioness. Not very glamorous. (Maybe I have to stop watching that “Animal Planet” channel.) But she’s strong. And protective of her cubs. Also surely sly and slightly sneaky. “Sneaky” doesn’t fit you, especially since you almost always come right out and say what you mean. (A good thing.) “Sly”, though, meaning “wise” and “ingenious”. Sharp insight into people and situations and with almost always discerning advice.
The rocky times you’ve endured have made you stronger. You never gave up or in. You’ve grown in the Lord, sometimes startling me by your words of faith when I’m looking on the dark side. “[You] lift up your eyes to the hills” (quite an art in flat Florida) and know “[your] help (and strength) come from the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1,2). So you’re able to stand in the testing day and embrace your children with your protecting love.
Not having been a mother, this is just a father’s guess: Watching your children grow well must satisfy, but hurt too, knowing your influence over them is fading. But it doesn’t (ever?) end. The relationship you’ve forged with your children as their mother and best friend continues. They have no one as loving, faithful, giving, and wise as you in their lives. You have imprinted yourself on their souls. The marks of who you are are deeply etched in them. And, be assured of this, the Christ-life you’ve lived before them and the prayers you pray for them will bear fruit. God is faithful. I know. I’ve found him to be so in my parenting. (though I’m more like “Ol’ Yeller, than a lion these days).
Have a Happy Mother’s Day, MQLQDQ! I love you so very much.
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