All that to say, my mom had no idea what awaited her as I grew up. And, man, did she handle me with grace and love and patience... she still does. Make no mistake, I am still that strong-willed
So in honor of her 50th year on earth, I would like to write some things down about my mom. I'm not sure if she'll read this, but even if not, I want you all to know what kind of woman raised me. Even though I'm strong-willed, I am well-taught and I love my Jesus and that is because that woman trained up a child in the way of the Lord. I can't think of a better legacy to leave with your children than that.
Rather than doing a "Top Ten List of Things I Love About my Mom" (which, I'll be honest, was my first thought), I'm going to add a little commentary about her alongside this passage from Proverbs 31. Mind you, I am no Biblical scholar, but I think Soloman talked about a Godly woman in such an incredible way, and I would like to show you the parallels between a "Proverbs 31 Woman" and my sweet mother. The words in black are Soloman's. The words in purple are mine.
Proverbs 31:10-31 (The Message)
A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
My dad is an airline pilot and has had to be away a lot. Such is the nature of his job. However, I have grown up seeing his unconditional trust in my mom to handle things while he is gone. She is trustworthy whether you are sharing a secret or just a silly and embarrassing moment. I don't think there has ever been a moment where I have doubted my mom for even a split second and that is a rare quality.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She has always been supportive of my dad doing what he loves (flying), even though I'm know she misses him so much when he is gone. This has given me a great example in how I support my husband in what he does.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
I definitely can't say that my mom is a knitter or a sewer, but I do remember that one time, in junior high, I bought a pattern and some fabric and wanted to make my own purse. She helped me drag out the sewing machine and she helped me sew that entire purse and was excited as I was when it was finished. That was a long time ago, but I still remember how much she helped me lovingly with that project.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
Last year, Mom and Dad went to Israel with Jack and Mom brought me back the most beautiful olive wood figurine of Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus. She is so thoughtful in always bringing me meaningful things from her travel. Things that will be special. I have it on a little shelf above my stove and I love seeing it and thinking of how I hope to go back with Mom (and Dad, Jack, and Ty) someday.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
My mom was always up before us while we were growing up. She would always make my lunch for school and have it ready. I always loved having her be my own personal alarm clock and I especially miss it now that I have to use a real one. Never have I seen my mom stay in her pajamas all day and just be lazy. She is such a hard worker, a phenomenal mom, and a marvelous wife. She packs so much into her day-- I don't know how she does it! I also always felt such a comfort when I was growing up knowing that I would be in bed before her. I don't know why, but I did. She is the hardest working woman I know.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She is an amazing homemaker. She has such a knack for decorating and making a loving and warm home. You can't walk in and not want to stay. She has truly invited the Lord to live in her house and that is why it is so inviting. She is also the first to help anyone. She has such a heart for people in need. I have seen her give selflessly of her time, services, and money throughout my life because she knows that they are gifts from God. When my uncle needed a place to live, my mom (and dad) stepped in without a second thought. She loves people because the Lord loved her first. What a testimony for me as I have my own home now!
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
My mom is SO, SO beautiful on the inside and the outside. I have had people who don't know her ask if she is my sister when seeing her in pictures. :) Something that I have always appreciated, though, is that she dresses so modestly but so stinking cute. I have known women who dress like they're twenty when they are most definitely not. Mom dresses for her age but she really cares about the way she looks and she is a knock-out. If anything, I don't like going out with her because she always looks better than me!
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
I have one fabulous dad, but that is for another day. My mom has always stood by my dad and been the kind of wife that I long to be. She respects and trusts my dad and I am so thankful that I learned from her example and married a man just like him.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
My mom laughs easily and she is very good at starting each new day with a smile. No matter what has happened, I always see my mom embrace that fact that God's mercies are new every morning. Again-- what an example!
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
I have rarely heard my mom say a bad word about anyone. Something that still drives me a little crazy about her is that she always sees the other person's side when I am having a struggle. That's usually irritating at the time, but as I have grown up hearing how the other person might be feeling, it has given me a great perspective on "taking the plank out of my own eye".
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
My brother and I call my mom often, as we both live out of state. This is saying a lot for two grown kids. If we want to keep our mom filled in on our lives, then she clearly fostered an environment growing up where she was really interested in our lives. So much so that we still want to tell her all about what is going on in our day-to-day activities.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
Jack and I more than respect our mom. We love her so much and we really take to heart her opinions. I know that my dad feels the same way. He loves her so much and she feels the same way about him. Their marriage has been such an example for me and Ty. And FYI, Heather Berdan? Classiest woman you'll ever meet. Charming, loving, wise, fun, and God-fearing. Pretty much the definition of classy.
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
(She's 50 and she just keeps getting better!)
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!
Proverbs 31:10-31 is the embodiment of my mother. I am so blessed. Mom, today, I celebrate your life! Thank you for being the best mom I could ever dream of. I am so looking forward to your days as "Nana" and all the new things I have to learn from you in these new stages of life. I love you so, so much.
Happy Birthday! :)
