A Mother’s Touch
It’s
Sunday morning and church is about to begin. Al and I spot our grandson in the
white robed group of high schoolers lining up in the hallway. He is singing
with the “IXOYE” choir today.
IXOYE is an acronym using the beginning letter
of the Greek words “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior.” What a helpful way to
remember who Jesus was and why he came to earth!
We
scurry up the side aisle to join our son-in-law Chris and youngest grandson,
Elliot, who have graciously saved us seats. I sit down beside Elliot, feeling a
pang that our daughter Shanda is no longer with us; and Al takes the end of the
pew next to me. Although it is good that we are together in this moment, I
still miss her. We all do.
The
service starts with a hymn, and we stand in unison to sing “O For a Thousand
Tongues to Sing!” There aren’t a thousand tongues this morning, but on a world-wide
scale just think how many people are raising their choruses of praise to God!
Next,
the youth choir presents a comforting song from the Bible… “You will seek me
and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”( Jeremiah 29:13) I soak in
the encouraging promise contained in the song, thinking that the young people
in the choir are learning a beautiful promise, one that will surely help them
in the future.
I
am glad that Nate is in the choir and Elliot as well. Elliot’s middle school
choir will be singing in the second service this morning. Both boys have
participated in various choirs at church through the years, thanks to Chris and
Shanda’s encouragement.
One
or more of the children’s choirs are often included in the worship services, a
gift to those of us in the congregation who are on the receiving end. We always
respond enthusiastically, applauding them and their leader’s efforts. And such
is the case as the IXOYE choir finishes singing!
During
the sermon, Elliot slides closer to Chris and rests his head on Chris’
shoulder. Chris holds his hand, giving Elliot a tender look. It has only been
six months since Shanda’s passing.
At
the next opportunity, I tell Chris, “Good job, Dad!”
When
Al hears about that special moment between Chris and Elliot, he replies, “Well,
now Chris has to be dad and mom.”
So
true. As a single parent, Chris is adjusting to his new role, organizing
schedules, driving the boys to one activity after another, keeping the house in
order, feeding them…
Then
there is the nurturing aspect, providing guidance, understanding and affection
for these two young teen-aged boys. Shanda was good at that.
“I love being a mom,” she used to say. And it
showed.
Mother’s
Day brings a mixture of emotions this year. As I think about my own mother, I’m so
grateful for her support and love throughout her lifetime. At the age of
eighty, mom came to help for a few days after I had fallen and broken my hip.
“Do
you want me to rub cream on your feet?” she asked one morning.
“Of
course!” What power in a mother’s touch!
She
also loved being a mom to the five of us kids, even though one Labor Day
holiday she emphatically stated, “I have gone through labor five times. I don’t
want to do that anymore!”
After
she passed away, I used to look through the mail expecting to see a letter from
her. How I missed those weekly letters and phone calls!
Around
that same time, I began receiving letters from Doris, a friendly woman whom Al
and I met on a two-week tour of Israel and Greece. For many years, Doris has
continued to write, helping to fill the void in my life. She too has the
mother’s touch!
To Shanda, Chris, my mom, Doris and
to all of those people who have a “mother’s touch,” thank you! And to the Lord,
who knows how to soothe a hurting heart, who loves us with an everlasting love,
who is compassionate and kind…Thank You!
(In top picture, Elliot is on bottom row, far left. In picture below, Nate is wearing turqoise stole, 3nd row from bottom, behind boy with red stole.)
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