Happy Mother’s Day

This coming Sunday is Mother’s Day.  It is a day set aside to honor, and to remember the ones who brought us into this world. Last month was the twentieth anniversary of the passing of my Mom.  It’s hard to believe she’s been gone that long. 

            My mom was quite the lady. She grew up in a very poor home with a father who had a tendency to drink too much. When he was sober he was a hard-working farmer and blacksmith.  But when he started drinking, he could not stop. He died before she entered high school.

            Mom was the ninth of ten children, and the only one of that group to graduate high school.  She was state champion in basketball.  She played guard back when the girls did not run the full court. That means she only played defense. But she played it ferociously. 

            Growing up my family played basketball together in the front yard. It was always Dad and my sister against Mom and me.  Sometimes (actually every time we played) it got rough.  Mom and Dad were competitive, and they did not give in to our whining.  It was either get tough, or get beat. 

            I inherited character traits from both of my parents. I look like Dad. I have his sense of humor. I’m afraid I have a bit of Mom’s temper. I have always been extremely competitive.  For both good and bad, I am Junior and Shelby’s son.

            I also have a heavenly Father.  And it is important that I display His character traits.  Goodness, kindness, love and compassion. These are just some of the things that should be on display in my life. Jesus once said, “Be ye perfect as your father in heaven is perfect.” He knew that was an impossible task. And yet, it is something for which to strive every day. 

            I know I resemble my earthly parents. My wife reminds me of that from time to time. I pray that I will be more like my heavenly father every day. And I pray the same for you.

            Happy Mother’s Day.