Those Who Shape Us

This week would have been my mother’s birthday. This first year of not celebrating with her seems weird, sad, and unnatural. My mother was an integral part of my life for many reasons. Her faith, her joy, her contentment, her nurturing, and so much more have been impactful in my own life and as I reach out to care for others as wife, mother, and teacher.

I came across a post I wrote for her birthday a few years ago. I hope that you can enjoy it with me as I remember her.

She’s always there for me. Whether I am sharing my joys or my hurts, she listens without judgment. She is a strong example of patience and perseverance. I am blessed to still have her in my life as my dear mother turns 87 today. We aren’t able to be together in person to celebrate, but we are together in heart.

As we talked on the phone this morning she was her usual chipper self despite experiencing bouts of intense back pain. I can almost see her eyes light up as we talk about her great grandchildren and their escapades. She is and always has been devoted to my brother and me, my children, and now my grandchildren. Her intense interest in all aspects of our lives brings us joy. She cares for us all in her quiet, gentle way. Even from afar she offers words of encouragement that have help us through many a rough spot.

I can’t imagine life without her steady presence. We have always been close, even in my awkward teenage years. I praise God for giving me the gift of her love and wisdom.

Her strength of character is the result of many things. She grew up in a family of believers and was raised to trust in God. Born during the Great Depression, life was challenging, but she grew up in a home with lots of love, if not material possessions. Although she had to work hard in her young years because of an ill mother, she persevered and made a good life for herself and eventually for us.

God places different people in our lives – some for long term and others for only a season. I know I have taken for granted some special people that He has placed in my life.

I realize today that I need to make more of an effort to fully appreciate both the people who bless my life and the people that irritate it. Ones like my mother are easier to be thankful for. But even difficult people in my life have helped to shape it. I probably have grown more trying to deal with challenging people than I would have otherwise.

But today is a day to celebrate the mother who was God’s instrument to begin the work in me. She made sure I knew of Jesus’ saving love and redemption. That is the greatest gift she could

ever have given me. While many people have helped shape my life over the years, my mother stands out as the single most important influence.

Take time today to praise God for those who have shaped you into the person you are. Perhaps consider how you might be a positive influence in the lives of others as well. You never know how your influence might make a huge difference in the lives of others, for their eternal benefit.

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