“I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.” — Abraham Lincoln

Here we go again and as we peek our heads over the covers we discover that it's Friday, May 6, 2016. Somehow knowing that it is Friday seems to perk up nearly everyone. This upcoming Sunday is Mother's Day! I don't have to think too long or too hard about the impact of my mom on my life and I'm also aware of the way in which so many other moms have influenced me over the years. I know what you are thinking about that before and after photo. When did she begin to realize that maybe I would grow up to become Santa Claus? Sorry. You weren't thinking that, were you? That's okay. I will answer it anyway. She didn't know. I didn't know. We all found out together. But, the other day she did say she liked my new style curly beard. I've been experimenting with some curling gel foam stuff and once I finally got the hang of how to use it, it's been okay. But, back to my main point. Moms. They brought us into this world. They brought us up. They poured themselves into the lives of their children. I can identify one word that my mom, my grandmothers, my wife's mom and grandmothers, and my wife herself all have in common: Sacrifice. Willingly. Lovingly. God made them that way and I for one am so very thankful He did.

I'm thankful for all that has been done to help me to get to where I am today. My mom was a big part of that process. My wife. My grandmother. Her mom. Her grandmothers. Teachers. Sunday School workers. Lunchroom staff. Moms who didn't leave their mom hat at home when they came to work. I do hope that all the moms out there will have a most wonderful time celebrating the day set aside to honor them. I leave you with this little poetic verse:

Mother is a name held sacred
      By most mortals of the earth;
      It means great love and sacrifice
      From the very day of birth,
A love that's so full of beauty,
      So tender, so very true!
      Something, seemingly, from Heaven
      That has come to me and you.
There's no love so understanding
      And so faithful to the end
      As a Mother's love—God bless her!—
      That to us our Lord did send.
~ Gertrude Tooley Buckingham, "Mother" (1940s)

I also hope everyone has a great Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday. I will do my best to see you again come next Monday morning. May God bless us, one and all. Amen. ....More later.