Today’s Reading: II Timothy 1:5 (NIV)
5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
Good morning!
Yesterday was a very special day in the life of our family. We gathered together to celebrate my Mother’s 85th birthday. I look at this woman and find it hard to believe she is 85 years old. She has a few more wrinkles, a little less bounce in her step, but for the most part, she continues to run circles around me. She needs a hearing aid to hear her family speak audible words, but even when her hearing aid is off, she can feel the beating of our hearts. She carries with her a grace and beauty that is borne from years of life experience, and it is that wellspring which brings beauty to each new day.
My mother thought she would grow up and one day serve the children as a missionary in another country. When she married my father in 1945, Mom thought her missionary dream had ended. She had no idea that her vocational work was just beginning in earnest when she raised two little girls. I think of the times she rocked us in that old, squeaky rocking chair, singing Sunday school songs and reading Bible stories until she could hardly move. She made the little things of life extraordinarily special. Mom was not a perfect person, but I can tell you she was perfect for me.
Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren made special gifts of love to honor the birthday girl. Mom has always preferred a handmade gift to something store bought, probably because she made so many gifts herself. She was pleased with the beautiful wreath for her door, a bag of homemade cookies, and special pieces of artwork. The sketches and tiny hand prints were made just for her, and they reflect the image of her hands and heart in motion. One of her grandchildren sketched Christ at
Just like Timothy, we carry the love of our mothers and grandmothers throughout our lives. When we choose to share this precious gift with those God has placed in our path, they begin to experience a glimpse into the lives of the ones we cherish. It is our legacy of faith.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC -
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