Mother's Day

As everyone knows Sunday is Mother's Day. I know many people think all these holidays are just a way to make Hallmark rich. But this one is most definitely one we should celebrate. Unfortunately I will not be able to spend Sunday with my Mom, and haven't in years. Living four hours apart and having responsibilities at church on Sundays makes it impossible. So this post is dedicated to my Mom, and my Dad.

My birth mother was just a sixteen year old kid. That's pretty much all I know about her. I've never met her, nor have I ever had a desire to do so. It's just something I've never needed to do. I don't think giving birth makes someone a mom, that happens from that day forward. One thing I've always wondered is, did she ever consider aborting me?. I have no way of knowing. For all I know the thought never crossed her mind. Roe v. Wade was in 1973. That legalized abortion. So there may have been a time when my existence almost wasn't.

Luckily for me, God, and I believe it was His intervention, allowed me to have life. Just the fact that I was born has always been a miracle for me, and part of the reason why I have such a strong faith in Him. I believe He had a plan for me even before I was born. Just as it says in Jeremiah, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart" (1:5). I believe that is true for everyone. We are all hand-made by God himself. Even before we take in our first breath we are (you are) important to Him.

If that was the end of the story it would still be worth telling, but there's more. In 1978 there was a couple who, because of various reasons, were unable to have biological children. They had adopted a little girl some seven years or so before they were sent my way. I've never been more grateful for anything, than I am for Tommy and JoAnn Smith. My parents. These two amazing people have been the greatest example of how to "do" life. There love for God, for their children, and for each other, has always inspired me. Through both word and deed, they have taught me how to be a man of God. There has never been a moment when I haven't felt their love and support. Their impact on my life can not be measured.

God not only allowed me to have life, but to have it in a home centered around Jesus Christ. I know many have not been as fortunate. And those who have been usually take it for granted, as I did for many years. So, this Mother's Day (and on Father's Day in a month), let the people who have meant so much know that you couldn't have done it without them.

Mom & Dad, I love you!