Reflection Day

September 21st. Today would have been my mom's birthday. Over the last 3 years, this day has been a day of reflection for me. I think it is great to have a day to reflect on the life that my mom lived. She was such a great person and she had such a passion for God's kingdom.

My mom was a 3rd grade teacher. Going to the same school as her and being in the same district as her through my 8th grade year meant that I spent a ton of time in her classroom after school (it was cheaper than a sitter). I remember some days, she would take my brother and me with her to grab groceries and food for families in her class. At the time I used to not fully understand what was going on (quite frankly I wondered why we were simply not going home so I could eat and watch tv). Yet looking back I realized that she cared for people and she desired to show the love of Jesus through caring for hurting people.

There were always meals being cooked at our house (really tasty ones) and I would get excited because I always thought they were for me. Turns out, the tasty meals were for some other family in need and our family dinner was in the refrigerator. My mom worked hard not just for her family, but for other people.

These are the memories that I have thought about today. Emotionally this has been the easiest year thus far. I still miss my mom and wish that she was still here. Yet I have seen the impact of one person and how God uses someone who is willing and undaunted by the world.