Treasured Mothers

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." 1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4-7‬ (NLT)

We often hear these verses quoted during weddings, but as Christians, we are all called to love others this way. I want to honor two of my favorite women who have blessed me with this kind of love -- my mother and my husband's mother.

"Love is patient and kind." My mom has experienced my many bad moods, bad attitudes, and all around yuckiness (yes, I made up that word -- you are welcome to borrow it) over the years since she brought me into this world, but my mother-in-law has gotten a taste of her fair share as well. They don't repay me in kind but treat me with patience and kindness that I don't deserve.

"Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude." They both truly fulfill the verse, "Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep." Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭15‬ (NLT) I can count on each of them to be thrilled over good news -- ready to celebrate with me, and comfort me during difficult circumstances and trials. I treasure their friendships.

"It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out." Each of these women serve in whatever way they can. As much as I would like to be perfect, I am not. When I do the wrong thing, they offer their forgiveness. When I choose to follow God's way, they encourage me.

"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." My favorite job and what I've always wanted to be is a good mom to my boys. Each of these mothers models good mothering for me to emulate. They cheer me on, not only in this monumental task, but in my other callings as well. Their support is what keeps me going even when my goal seems to be hopeless.

I long to love my mom with the incredible amount of love she has showered on me over the past 40 years. My mother-in-law may have only been part of my life for the past 18 years, but she has shared the greatest gift with me, her son. She has loved me as her own from the very beginning.

I am forever grateful for the impact each of these amazing women have had, and will continue to have, on my life. My desire is to be as much of a blessing to them as they are to me.

Happy Mother's Day to two amazing mothers!