Happy Mothers Day!

Happy Mother's Day every one! I am priveledged to know many great, amazing, kind women who do the title and meaning of "Mother" much justice. I'm grateful for their examples and wish them a very happy day!

And as for my own mom...well, what can I say? She is perfect. As far as support, love, advice, humor, wisdom and friendship, my mom has been everything I've needed to navigate this life (and many times still is).

Lately, I've been pondering a lot of things regarding our personal choices and the things that influence them as well as where those choices will take us. So in tribute to my sweet mother, I thought I'd put on record a few of the things I've learned from her that have left a huge impact on me and who I hope to become.

1.

Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes."

"Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others."

--Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Virtue of Kindness"

I know I've mentioned this before, but if I could sum up one of the greatest lessons my mom has ever taught me, it's to "be kind and nice".  To this day, when I'm not sure what to do regarding a sticky social situation, the words, "be kind and nice" echo in my mind. Not only is my mom a generally very nice person to those she comes into daily contact with (don't even get me started on her ability to charm difficult people), but I saw her put these words into practice in some of the most difficult, unjust, and hurtful situations, where choosing to act something other than kind and nice, would have perhaps been the easier, more deserved way to behave.

It was this example that made everytime I went to her with a frustrating situation (admittedly, after some good venting) I would ask her what to do, she would respond, "Be kind and nice, that's all you can do". And I would know from her example that was not only the best option, but the only option.


2.

"...be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

--1 Timothy 4:12

You know those people who you never have to question their values or what they think, but at the same time you're drawn to them and desire to be around them? My mom is one of those people. My mom has never been the type of person to "cordially" laugh at a dirty joke or pretend not to notice offensive acts out of fear of offending or not fitting in. Yet, it has been my observation that it is such stances that only seem to draw people in. It's a combination of goodness and love (I don't think one works without the other) and that's who she is, and well, who doesn't want to be around that?

I feel she has also been a huge example of this to me in regards to motherhood. She was always my mother first before she was my friend. She never shyed away from telling me exactly what I needed to hear out of fear of losing our relationship or offending me. Which is ironic, because it is how her first priority to be my mother made it my first priority to be her friend.

I pray to be this type of example and mother. I don't know if I'm there yet but I hope beyond all hope I'll have the same relationship with my children that I have with her.

3.

"Some people look for a beautiful place--others make a place beautiful"

--Hazrat Inayat Khan

 Oh, I love my parents' home! The little haven I had the pivilege to grow up in! My mom has an innate creative ability to decorate and make her surroundings beautiful. Growing up she stitched hundreds of thoughtful, uplifting and inspiring messages and images that were placed throughout our home while turning our yard in the summer time into a colorful oasis. Do I think these qualities are required to be a good mom? No. But oh, how I love this about my mother! Not only was it so very fun watching her and helping her do these things growing up, but making my home a beautiful place where my family and I want to be is one of the biggest things that brings me joy and satisfaction as a wife and mother. 

Mom, I could go on and on about how wonderful I think you are. I consider you to be one of the greatest blessings I have in this life. Happy Mothers Day! I love you!