Mother's Day is this weekend and I'm reminded of the many things I admire and appreciate about the two most important women in my life, my mom and my wife. My wife Ronnin is the most patient, forgiving person that I've ever known. (What a perfect fit we are, I'm constantly doing things that require great understanding and mercy!!!) I envy Ronnin's passion for God and desire to live life to the full. What a privilege it is to live with someone whose life is a constant encouragement to walk authentically with Christ. Ronnin, I hope the boys and I make you feel treasured and honored for who you are...
Mom, people that know us well say that you and I are a lot alike. Truth is though, I'm nowhere near as generous, hard-working, or faithful as my mom. I could fill this section with stories of her self-sacrifice, determination, and ability to overcome difficult situations. Here's my favorite story about mom:
The summer after I graduated from high school, I worked at a chemical plant outside of Houston, TX. Every morning I had to wake up at 4:30 am and drive over 2 hours to get to the plant. (The money was worth it.) At this time in my life, I was sorting through a lot of questions about my future and God.
Mom and dad had always made us (Julie, Lori, Tim, and I) feel special and had filled us with a desire to live life as an offering to God and as an honor to our heritage. I was thankful for this but at the same time I was feeling completely overwhelmed with the task.
My fears caused me to see God as a stern coach on the sideline of life, only satisfied with my perfect execution of his playbook. I didn't want to quit the "team", but I had chosen to sit on the bench to avoid the rejection I perceived would follow my constant mistakes.
I was going to church, helping out when needed, and going through the motions of life, but I knew I was far from truth and devoid of purpose.
Every morning as I woke up about the same time many of friends were going to sleep, I'd get dressed, eat a quick breakfast, and head out for my daily soul-searching drive to work. One morning before I left, I noticed that my mom was outside on the patio. She had her bible in her lap and she was praying with her eyes closed and tears running down her face. I quietly walked up to the sliding glass door to listen to her, but I couldn't tell what she was saying. I left for work and spent the entire trip wondering what would wake my mom up that early in the morning.
The next morning before I left for work, I checked the patio and once again found her with her bible reading and praying. Struggling with truth in my own life, I was more confused by my mom's complete devotion and faithfulness. I understood my inspiration for waking up at 4:30 am ... money. But what was hers? Morning after morning I'd check up on her and every morning there she was. Her crazy love for God greatly disturbed my attitude of religious indifference. It was just a few months later, that I had a life-defining spiritual encounter with God. In church that day, with tears in my eyes and a heart overwhelmed with the love of God, I was reminded of my mom's sacred patio of prayer and it started to make sense. Mom wasn't waking up early to please God, fulfill a religious duty, or make herself feel religious superior. She woke up early every morning to spend time alone with the only person who loves completely, forgives unconditionally, and understands mercifully.
I hope one day, when my own boys are searching for truth and purpose in their lives, I can really be like my mom.
