Happy Mother’s Day!

A letter to the two mothers in my life.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

I want to wish the two most important mothers in my life, a very blessed and happy Mother’s Day today.  It is clear and obvious to me that both my mother and mother-in-law raised both me, and my amazing wife Jessica, in love and respect.  With each passing day our lives are a reflection of not only Jesus, whom we love with all of our heart…  But also, the sacrifice, love, and dedication of our amazing mothers.

There are so many times I should have listened to my mother sooner.

My own mother has imparted such a love of life, God, and all that is beautiful in life upon me.  She has never stopped “raising me”, and for that I am endlessly grateful.  Even now, she never stops doing all she can to show us her love, and desire to serve us through her love.

It would take many hands to show the times I realized… “Mom was right!”  Better late than never, right?

My mother is the one who showed me what it means to be grateful to God, and worked tirelessly throughout my life to ensure that all my needs are met – most importantly in that – my spiritual needs.  Mom, your actions have always shown your love for Jesus and your family.  In all you do, you have put others first in a selfless love and wisdom that so many are blessed by.  Not the least of whom, is Jessica and myself.

Thank you for being a reflection of God’s love, to us.  The world is blessed by having you here with us.  And, we love you so very much.

Your light in our lives is much like this photo that I took one of the first times you came to visit us.  Vibrant, easy to follow, and full of warmth and beautiful color.  Your life has always been a reflection of the light of the Holy Spirit within you.

Trina, I can’t imagine my life without your beautiful friendship.

While my relationship with you, Trina, is not so much “mother/son” I still have a deep reverence and love for you, and your entire family.  You have endured so much difficulty in life and overcome it in raising three of the most wonderful people I know.   Especially your daughter (I am biased, of course lol).

The woman she has become is a true reflection of the strength and beauty within you.  The last few years, I have watched you both turn toward the light of God together, as I have also done so myself.  You and Jess both mirror each-other in amazingly similar ways, and I want you to know that her strength, which is derived from you (and God), is what carries me through many days when I feel so very weak and unable to push through.

I hope I show sufficiently to you, just how much your light and friendship is such a wonderful gift to me.  I would not be who I am without you or your beautiful daughter, Jessica.  The light you both share has lit my path, and I am certain beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus has led you both into my life.

My fervent prayer for you this Mother’s Day is that the Holy Spirit will continue to fill your heart, and show you just how wonderful you are in God’s eyes.  I pray you will allow just a tiny space for Jesus in your soul, so that your journey toward God will become fulfilled.  It truly is a blessing to see how you have grown closer to God alongside our own journey back to Him.  I simply want you to know that once you discover who God is, it is incredibly freeing to be able to cast all of your cares upon Him.

I love you so much.  This picture is for you.  A trillium (in the Lilly family) standing tall and beautifully in the forest, reflecting the guiding light of spring on the dark forest floor.  You are a light to me and to your family, and you are a beautiful soul.

“And why worry about your clothing*? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.”

Matthew 6:28-29

While the verse states “clothing” it is interchangeable with the word “anything” in this case.  The message here is that God always provides, even when we may not ask it!  How comforting.

I hope the two mothers in my life, have a wonderful Mother’s Day.  You are both an inspiration, a guide, and a light to those around you.  Can’t wait to see you both soon!!

God bless you both! I love you!