Happy Birthday, Mom

Today is my mom’s birthday…

I never know how to surprise her enough, get her a good enough gift, make her enough “coupons,” spend enough time with her, write her enough letters to express how much I love her. Oh, my beautiful, beautiful mom.

I know she’s not perfect and she’d be the first to humbly admit this. But for some reason, as I was growing up, I found it impossible to find a flaw in her. Well, sometimes she lost her patience when my brother and I would fight. And then there was that one time she responded coldly, hurting my feelings. I’m sure that at some point she has offended someone, somewhere. I know that she is all too aware of her own sin and seeks to put it to death every morning. She has a holy discontent that compels her to seek Christ more diligently. Her incredible humility encourages her to seek constructive criticism and grow from it. Integrity marks her heart and stability in Christ holds her life—and the lives of those around her—together.

This incredible woman reminds me of the Proverbs 31 woman. She really is worth far more than rubies—her noble character a rarity. I am blown away time and time again by how holiness guides her life. Her dedication and supreme love for Christ pushes her into a deeper relationship, resulting in more sanctification. I have never doubted Christ’s primary place in her heart, knowing that all else she holds dear isn’t even a close second. Her godly character has stood as a beacon in my life. I’ve seen her righteousness shine and have found myself asking, “What would my mom do?” more than once.

Her love for our family is so evident. Like the Proverbs 31 woman, “she sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks” (v17). She diligently and affectionately works hard to care for our family well. If I am ever to even be half the mother and wife that she is, I would consider that an accomplishment. I remember how she’d wake up early to prepare a big breakfast every day so that we would enjoy eating meals together as a family. I remember many long nights where she would help me fill out applications, edit papers, pack for trips or plan crazy ideas. She acknowledged differences between my brother and I and loved us the same. Her kind words and wise heart guided me time and time again.

But her compassion and seemingly endless love don’t end with our family. “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy” (v20). Does she ever! My mother is also one of the most generous people I know. She isn’t put off by poverty, but seeks to find solutions that will benefit the people in the long run. When I came home sobbing from an orphanage, my mom would comfort me, pray with me and then brainstorm ideas with me. I remember walking past beggars, knowing my mom would buy them food on the way back.

One verse in particular sends goose bumps down my spine is verse 25: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” She truly is clothed with strength and dignity. My mother is one of the strongest people I know; quiet strength leaks out of her pores. She walks with dignity, covered in humility.

A couple verses down, it reads, “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue” (v26). Perhaps one of the things that I have enjoyed most about getting older is enjoying this fruitful friendship with my precious mother. I enjoy bouncing ideas off her. I love having her ask me questions that I normally wouldn’t have thought of. I appreciate her kind words and her profoundly wise heart. I have asked for her advice and prayers more than once.

She is a woman who fears the LORD and because of that, I want to praise her—to honor her. And so, “Her children arise and call her blessed” (v28).

Happy Birthday, Mom.