Dear SCC & Friends,
She smiles at the future. ~Proverbs 31:25
Reflection #166
Twenty-seven years ago, an older couple came up to me after my mom’s memorial service, and the man said, “Your mother saved my life… Mary knew I had a drinking problem and would often call my wife to check on her. If I answered the phone, she had just the right words and tone that helped point me towards my sobriety. She never gave up on me.” His wife chimed in telling me that because of “Joe’s” drinking, she had gone into deep depression and isolated herself. “Mary would often call, and after leaving a number of messages on my answering machine she finally wore me down. She invited me to lunch… ‘You deserve a break today, so let’s meet at McDonalds’ I reluctantly arrived to see Mary seated in the back corner. To my amazement, she had set the table with Waterford Crystal and sterling flatware amidst Quarter Pounders and fries. That was the day my depression started to lift.” My mom never told me that story, but it’s one I treasure.
I really don’t know how she did it. She always had time and focus for her marriage and family. The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands. ~Prov. 14:1 She also had time for neighbors and friends and for her church and community. She had time for painting and piano, for golf and travel. She was productive but not driven, a teacher by profession and a student of life and culture. Her faith inspired my faith, for which I am eternally grateful. Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work. ~C.S. Lewis~ Special blessings and heartfelt gratitude to all the mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers. Your sacrifice and love can never be repaid… You have truly made all the difference in our lives. …Indeed, she smiles at the future and opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. ~Prov. 31:25-26 We are made for these days… Keep up the good work!
Happy Mother’s Day,
Kevin