To Mom

If there is one thing I've learned over the last 8 years, it is this: Being a mother is NOT always easy. I remember the panic I felt when my firstborn choked on a Cheerio ... and equal amounts of panic when she dropped to the ground for her first full-blown temper tantrum! And I won't even talk about the trauma of potty training (I think I FINALLY got it straight, the 3rd time around!) Anyway, on top of all of the tremendous blessing and joy of having children, it's tough work. So, today, while my precious family cooks lunch for me ... I must take a minute to thank two special moms in my life: Carolyn Schneider and Lynn McVey.

To my mother: I have a feeling that as I recant my mothering nightmares, you must smile just a bit. In the midst of sharing godly wisdom, you have to be thinking "ah, payback!" All teasing aside, I am grateful to you for so many reasons. I certainly learned how to "act like a lady" from you ... clean like a maniac ... wash clothes ... cook a meal, etc. But more importantly, I learned much about godly character, how to be obedient to the Lord (even when it's REALLY hard), and how to diligently serve others from you. You modeled what it means to trust the Lord, faithfully study His Word and willingly share it with others. I'm eternally grateful to you for helping me become the woman, wife and mother God wants me to be (yes, this is an ongoing process.) And of course, I must also mention that you are a GREAT grandmother. I'm thankful for all the ways you have taught our children what it means to love Jesus and follow Him. Today, even though I am thousands of miles away from you, I want you to know that I love you and Praise the Lord that you are my mother.

To my Mother-in-Law: Much of who Greg is today is due to your persitence and commitment to raising a godly family. And I know you had to put up with a lot! Even now, with Greg grown and gone from your house, I know we are daily thought about and prayed for by you. So while Greg thanks you (he did publicly in church this morning), I thank you as well. I'm really glad to be a part of your family and honored that you have always treated me with kindness and love. I don't think all daughters-in-law have it as great as I do! I truly believe you've made my job as a mommy easier by helping so much with the children when we are together. (Plus, Greg is an EXCELLENT help around the house ... and has always said I have you to thank for that!) We love you so much and thank the Lord for your continued influence in our lives and in the lives of our children, too. In this life of chaos the Lord has called us to, I am thankful for the consistency and stability you and Sam offer to us. Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

I'm grateful for the opportunity to recognize these two great mothers. Now ... off to eat some grilled chicken and shrimp, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and rolls (I love my family!)