Two Hearts....Common Bond

I read a quote today--

"A mom's hug lasts long after she lets go."

We ( the husband and I) have been blessed to each have a mother that loved us, cared for us, disciplined us and did the "whatever we needed" with us.  They both lived different lives, but one of the things they had in common was the fact that they each loved their children.  In their own way, they provided and cared for their families with the fierceness of a lioness guarding her cubs.  They worked long and hard to keep their children safe and secure.

One worked in a school and office situation. The other worked in a factory. One had seven children to care for, the other had two.  Both loved their children in such a way that they sacrificially gave up what could have been theirs, for those they gave life to. 

With Mothers Day approaching I tend to get more sentimental than usual. Maybe it's the fact that for the first time in our  lives we don't have Mothers with us. That is a difficult realization to come to terms with.  Maybe it's because none of our children live here or anywhere near here and I miss them.  Maybe it's simply that I miss both of our mothers.  They gave life and made life very sweet and we were blessed to have them while we did.

Those last hugs were priceless. I can still feel them today. The quote is true...the hugs lasts long after they let go.  And we would give anything to have one more.

Proverbs 31: 25-28 says,

She is strong and is respected by the people.  She looks forward to the future with joy.  She speaks wise words and teaches others to be kind.  She watches over her family and never waste her time. Her children rise up and bless her.

One of the very last things my mother whispered in my ear was, " I have always loved you."

Oh, Moms.....we have always loved you. Happy Mothers Day.



Lest We Forget

Today a man--a husband, a father, a God-loving man--gave his testimony in church. He spoke of his salvation and God's work in his family. He spoke of a daughter that in the course of her life had taken a trip on the wide road.  As he spoke and testified of God bringing him through a difficult journey, you could sense the love of a father for his daughter and the agony of his despair.

His daughter was in church today.

Sometimes we forget just how Great and Good our God really is.  Sometimes we think God works in other people's lives much more that in ours.  Sometimes we forget that God can do whatever He wants, whenever He wants, to bring Himself shockingly into the forefront of our lives.

This morning God stepped down and made His Almighty Presence known.

On the first note of the invitation the daughter stepped out into the aisle.  When she reached the Pastor and said, "I want to be saved", she met Jesus in a real relationship. There were no small amount of tears going on in the building.

The father was obedient to testify about God in his life. The daughter heard it, loud and clear. The spoken word became the catalyst of an eternal father/daughter bond--both earthly and Heavenly. Only God can do that.

I pray that we are not forgetful listeners.

"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart." Deut. 6:4-6

Keep reminding us, Lord, that You are still working in and around us everyday. Thank You for the "shock and awe" today. Keep reminding us, lest we forget.