A different kind of Mother's Day
One thing I have learned in my almost 45 years is that no one is perfect. That phrase has become cliche' to excuse bad behavior, but I think we sometimes have unrealistics expectations of our mothers, fathers, and children. We are all human and we can maybe accept our own flaws but are not so easily acceptable of others flaws. What holds us together is love. What makes us a family is the fact that we love each other through our not so perfect moments.
I feel I failed my children at times and I am sure they may at times feel they failed me. Not so!
This is a different kind of Mother's Day. One of love, forgiveness and acceptance. That there kind of love that Jesus extends to us.
Maybe you look around your house this morning like I do and see a house that is not as neat and tidy as you would like. Perhaps it is a down right mess. Maybe the dinner you served last night was that of frozen pizza (you didn't mention that your head was hurting so bad you couldn't see straight). Maybe, just maybe, you were less than gracious when speaking to someone and feel bad about it.
Our life may not line up with what we see as "perfect". We might not be there when our kids get off the bus from school with fresh baked cookies in hand. Maybe we are working to make sure they have a roof over their head. So it was the day to send a flower to school for the teacher and you forgot. You resourcefully snapped off an azalea twig from your bush and put it in your childs hand. Your floors aren't mop and glo clean. Your kid didn't make the honor roll. Your son watched three perfect strikes go by and never swang the bat. Yep. I think you are seeing the picture. Your life just isn't "perfect". Maybe, just maybe, you lost your temper and uttered ugly words you so wish you could take back. Maybe you did it more than once. You might have even slung a hairbrush or a shoe. Can we just get real up in here?
We cry. We repent. We ask for forgiveness. We keep on living and we keep on loving. Today let's not focus on being "perfect" or comparing our life to others, but above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. So you didn't have a perfect childhood or maybe it was close to perfect. So your kids make you proud every moment or you struggle not to wringe their neck at times. The common thread is that we love. We love our kids. We love our mama's and we love our families. We are perfectly imperfect people who through the love of Jesus we are made perfect.
Here is a theme song for today that is great for keeping things in perspective.
I am grateful for my mother. During my teenage years, I was certain she was evil and far from perfect. As I have grown, I have come to know she was and is as dog gone near perfect as they come. I can only hope to be a strong of a person as she is.
I am grateful for my late mother in law. She exemplified love on this earth so beautifully. We miss her terribly this year but take heart that she is enjoying heaven and cheering us on until we get there to join her.
I am grateful for each of my children.
To my first born, Christiana Hope Marsh. We have seen some rough and rocky patches. I say black, you say white. I say up, you say down. You were the first to give me the honor of being called, "mama". I was so thrilled and I wanted to do everything "perfect". I know how miserably I failed at that attempt. I apologize for my many short comings. One thing I am certain of is that God gave you a very tender spirit and he has great things in store for you. As a little child you carried an anointing of peace and healing. Those gifts and callings are still alive. I admire your passion for others.
To my only son, Caleb Alexander Marsh. We have a special bond that I cannot explain. Perhaps it is because you are my only son. Perhaps it is because you are as strong willed as I was at your age. Navigating the territory of you being an adult is different. I know for sure that God has had His hand on you since before you born. He chose you. He elected you and He will ordain you. I admire that you are so determined to succeed. Never forget the most important thing. Always remember the scripture that I pray over you. Jeremiah 29 11-13.
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare[a]and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
To my baby girl, Rachel Elizabeth Fenner. You are so smart, so talented and of course, of so beautiful. It is a pleasure to be your mama. I pray we will always be close and that you know you can trust me and tell me anything. Always remember WHOSE you are and WHERE you are. You are a child of God and you are in this world but not of this world. God has a plan and a purpose for your life. I am excited to see it unfold.
And finally Makynleigh Hope. Precious little one you are a joy and pleasure to everyone. We can honestly say you are every bodies baby. I have decided my house might never be clean again as you have mastered the art of messing up quicker than I clean up, but I am learning to "enjoy" the mess as I enjoy watching you learn and grow. The love and joy you bring into my life makes every chore and sleepless night worth it. You are a gift from God. And since you just came to the computer and yelled, "get the poop off", I think it is time to close it down and get back to my wonderful perfect life. Getting the poop off and all.
