Faith Words: What Can I Take?
We've had to move Mom to assisted living, so we've been packing up her house. As we go through drawers and closets and boxes, we find all kinds of treasures. We also find a lot of things that make us wonder why she saved this or that.
Is her whole life the sum of her possessions? No. The things we save, the things we discard describe Mom but don't define her.
Mom collected almost everything. I guess that's a nice way of saying she's a pack rat. Seriously, she collected match books, seashells, copper cookware, hat boxes, crystal, carnival glass, tea cups and saucers, baskets, red dishes, pink dishes, blue dishes, Christmas dishes, everyday dishes, holiday hand towels, oil cans, watering cans, flower pots. I could go on and on.
Some of these things she used everyday. Some she saved for special occasions. Some she kept just in case or because she thought they were pretty.
But Mom is so much more than all these things. She's a woman who loves the Lord. I've found five different, well-worn Bibles and tons of sermon and Bible class notes so far. She's a woman who loves family and friends. Cards and photos, gifts received and to be given were hidden here and there - all evidence of her deep affection for each of us. Flower pots and gardening tools along with seashells and mushrooms speak of her love for the natural world God gave us and her innate talent to bring life to her garden.
No, Mom is not the sum of her possessions. She's the epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman and I'm thankful to call her "Mom."
When all is said and done, I hope my life will provide half as good a witness of the dear Lord's favor.
Love you, Mom.
Patrice
Proverbs 31:28-29 NIV
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
Is her whole life the sum of her possessions? No. The things we save, the things we discard describe Mom but don't define her.
Mom collected almost everything. I guess that's a nice way of saying she's a pack rat. Seriously, she collected match books, seashells, copper cookware, hat boxes, crystal, carnival glass, tea cups and saucers, baskets, red dishes, pink dishes, blue dishes, Christmas dishes, everyday dishes, holiday hand towels, oil cans, watering cans, flower pots. I could go on and on.
Some of these things she used everyday. Some she saved for special occasions. Some she kept just in case or because she thought they were pretty.
But Mom is so much more than all these things. She's a woman who loves the Lord. I've found five different, well-worn Bibles and tons of sermon and Bible class notes so far. She's a woman who loves family and friends. Cards and photos, gifts received and to be given were hidden here and there - all evidence of her deep affection for each of us. Flower pots and gardening tools along with seashells and mushrooms speak of her love for the natural world God gave us and her innate talent to bring life to her garden.
No, Mom is not the sum of her possessions. She's the epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman and I'm thankful to call her "Mom."
When all is said and done, I hope my life will provide half as good a witness of the dear Lord's favor.
Love you, Mom.
Patrice
Proverbs 31:28-29 NIV
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
Comments
But whoever loves God is known by God.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.
Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.
God has now revealed to us His mysterious will regarding Christ -- which is to fulfill His own good plan.