Sowin' love

“Sit up straight and mind your manners.” “Don’t eat so fast, no one is going to take it away from you.” “The years go by much faster the older you get.” I am reminded of these pearls of wisdom, along with many others, as I take a few quiet moments on this Mother’s Day to remember the impact, influence and inspiration my own mother provided during her too short life. It’s hard to believe she’s been gone over twenty years (Ecclesiastes 3:1), but the memories of our time together and the lessons learned remain firmly forged in my consciousness. Mary took a genuine interest in everything that mattered to me, regardless of its relative importance, and made time to listen. I may not have always followed her advice, but I’ve constantly tried to follow her example (Proverbs 1:8): be kind and considerate, help those in need, watch what you say, keep your promises and stay true to the unique person that God made you to be. Cancer might have robbed my mother of her physical body at 58, but there’s no question her spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of those for whom she cared most. The gardener will be pleased to know the shoots she nurtured years ago took root and are finally bearing fruit (John 15:4). Thank you, Mom, for sowing the seeds of love.