We've been uncovering hidden treasure this spring, digging up old photos of my (Hope's) mom. This one is of she and I. (I'm guessing that I'm about 5 yrs. which would make her about 51 yrs. in the photo.) Our treasure hunt started when she had a heart attack in February. I travelled up north to be with her and at that time the physician speculated that she wouldn't live more than 30 days. Since then, she's survived another heart attack and I've made another trip up north giving me 2 unexpected visits which have been treasures in and of themselves.
We were reciting Psalm 103 this morning in church:
As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children to those who keep His covenant and remember to do His commandments.
My mom is no longer flourishing. She is withering. Soon, the wind will pass over her and she will be gone. BUT, the steadfast love of the Lord remains and extends to her children's children. I am so grateful for her contribution to my children's future directly and through what she invested in me that in turn passes on to my children. I appreciate her commitment to christian education and it's impact on my life and the lives of so many others that she sponsored. She loves church and the hymns of the faith and she taught me to love them. Now my girls sing in worship regularly text rich anthems of praise. Her piano was a cherished possession and she encouraged me to learn to play. Now I enjoy the privilege of accompanying my children as they play their instruments of choice to the glory of God. She was dedicated to family prayer time, which is a lifestyle we've duplicated. She has always been tenderhearted toward the downtrodden and orphans. She loved her foster children deeply and she took extra babysitting jobs for years to save for the adoption of my sister. She took me to the nursing home religiously to visit family members and now my children volunteer at nursing homes every month. I am the benefactor of observing her work hard as a homemaker. The verdict is still out on this one for my children though I must say I see promise-- Angela's a pro at laundry, Lily's a cook and kitchen cleaner extrordanaire and Robyn can make her room shine--all when they want to.
Though she often thinks I'm her mother now, I have yet to achieve as worthwhile a legacy. Because of God's steadfast love and righteousness imparted to me, I have hope...
Lily joined a spring soccer team. She's the first Webster girl to join an organized sport and her Daddy is glad she chose soccer. He hasn't played on a team since college but they are enjoying practicing together and Brian is assistant coach on her team. We always knew she'd enjoy and do well in a sport because she's fast, athletic and adventurous. Besides playing great, it's been a joy to see her earn end of game acknowledgement awards for both "christlikeness" and "sportsmanship". 4 more games---GO LILY!
Last Friday was our church's second anniversary hoedown. We had a great time. First we had a delicious dinner. There were games for the kids, a slide show with pictures from our church and a bonfire...and of course, square dancing. It was the first time for all of us to square dance, and my (Angela's) overall impression is that it is loads of fun! We all wore tiered skirts that twirl beautifully. My partner was my friend Rebecca. Each square has 4 couples and the caller calls out each move as you do it. It was quite entertaining and enjoyable! After the square dancing we had cobbler, and then...we went back to dance and twirl and dance some more!
Family Traditions are important to us. Easter is an incredible time of celebration. Jesus took our punishment on the cross, conquered sin and won. He is risen indeed!
