Pr. 1:8: “My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother.”
When I was a young teenager I got nose bleeds pretty regularly. I remember my nose bleeding during a hiking trip with my mom. Because we were outdoors, with no tissues available, my mom took the sock right off her foot and gave it to me to use to help with the bleeding. She walked the mile back in a tennis shoe with no sock.
While as imperfect as any of the rest of us, my mother taught me that 2 wrongs do not make a right, that if I’m too sick to do what is expected of me then I’m too sick to do what is fun, and that if you say you are going to do something then you need to do it. More than teaching me, though, she showed me those things by the way she lived her own life.
Still more important than any of that; however, she pointed me to Jesus. My mother has taught my Sunday school class several times. (Thanks for the sardines during the story of the Feeding of the 5,000) I have been her assistant in the nursery at church, during VBS, and been by her side doing mission work, as well. I have sung side by side with her, in trios, and in the choir.
My dad tried to help me with Algebra in high school. He took me fishing and even “let” me dig up the worms. He taught me to drive a 5-speed, and made me get back in a car to drive the day after I totaled my first car so I wouldn’t live in fear. He worked swing shifts for 2 decades to give me a roof over my head and food on the table.
More important that any of that; however, he pointed me to Jesus. I have bowed my head countless times as my father prayed in church. I’ve sat under his leadership as an elder in our church. I’ve sat on the pews in church buildings he has helped build. I remember him spending his days off work mowing the church lawn and making repairs. He showed me, through his actions, that church was important hearing the Word of God was a priority for our family.
Both my mother and father showed me what work ethic means and that there is nothing I can’t do if I set my mind to it. More important than any of that; however, they pointed me to Jesus.
Today is my mom’s birthday. I am thankful for a mother who has demonstrated for me, in countless ways, wisdom, a servant’s heart, and a sacrificial life. I am thankful for a father who demonstrated respect for the Lord and His house, humility in leadership, and responsibility in caring for the things God has entrusted to you.
I wish I could go back to all the times when I did not heed my dad’s instructions, or I did forsake the law of my mom. I am thankful; however, that their lives were examples of what they truly believed. Truly their actions pointed me to the One who matters and my life, as a result, has led me straight to His arms.
Thank you mom and dad.
I love you dearly,
jamie
considering the word 