Mommies

It's Mother's Day - so, it's only appropriate that I blog about Mommies. I am a Mommy. It is one of the biggest, most challenging, most fun, scariest, most responsible jobs with which I have ever been bestowed. I really feel like being a Mommy is a reward from God. I fully realize that everyone else doesn't feel that way - I mean, spend one day at my job and you'll understand - but I want for them to feel that way too. It's humbling and yet empowering.

I look at my own Mommy and I think a lot about her sacrifices. For me. To ensure that I received the best and was cared for unconditionally. My parents could have lived in a nicer home, or drove a nicer car, or took lavish vacations together - but they didn't. They poured their hearts and souls into me. They sacrificed things so that I could go out of the country on All Star Cheerleading trips, or to get me the best medical care that they could find, or to send me on Choir Tour with our Youth Group. My Mommy's home was the place to go for love. Everyone felt welcome and at ease with my Mommy and Daddy. I loved that about my growing up home. My Mommy created an environment of peace, happiness, and love - always - I never wondered "what is it gonna be like when I walk through that door?" - because I knew. Always. Most of all - my Mommy (and Daddy) taught me to love God. When I walked away from being active in my faith for a while - they loved me through it and never condemmed me - well, maybe a little...but it was deserved.

My Mommy loves my Daddy. That taught me more than she will EVER know. My Mommy knew - and knows - how to love my Father. She is submissive as Christ calls her to be, she loves him with all of her heart. I have never, ever, and will never, ever see her look at another man. She still looks at my Daddy (after almost 40 years of marriage) like she just fell in love with him. She supports him and cares for him without condition. My Mommy has taught me how to be a wife. That is one of the best lessons that any Mommy can teach their daughter. I hope that I can model this for my daughter.

I am proud to say that my Mommy and I are friends. Of course, everything wasn't always hunky dory. She has hurt my feelings and I have hurt hers. We have disappointed one another. She has threatened to beat me to oblivion. I have told her that she was "ruining my life". She has joked on my messy house, I have joked on her fashion choices in those couple of years that she wore jumpers on the daily. But, what it all comes down to, is that sometimes, I just want to hear my Mommy's voice on the other end of the phone, or I just want my Mommy to give me a hug and tell me that everything will be okay. My Mommy is my biggest fan and my most favorite shopping buddy. She's the best cook in the world - seriously - and could give Paula Deen a run for her money. I love her - and thank God for her.

I love you Mommy. Thanks for teaching me how to be a Godly wife and Mom and how to make others feel loved. Sorry that we missed the mark on my cooking skills ;) Ha. Can't win 'em all!!!