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.”