Monday, June 2, 2008

Ode to my Mom


Good Morning. It is 8:17 AM here in New Delhi and I just got up about 30 minutes ago. One of the advantages of being on this side of the world is that I am living in the future, meaning it is still June 2nd in Texas, but June 3rd here.

Why is this so important that I feel the need to write about it today, you ask? Well, if you don't already know then shame on you! Today is a wonderful day. It is on this day a few years ago (very few!) my dear mother was born.

So today I pause, and I am asking you to do the same, for a few moments to honor her in the glory she deserves, because she is completely worth it. My mother is easily the most important and most influential woman in my life. I called her last night and talked to her for quite some time and for the entire conversation I was smiling and laughing with her. Even thousands of miles away, she has the ability to make life good.

For those of you who have the pleasure of knowing her, what I am saying comes as no surprise to you. She has one of the most contagious personalities and radiates with such joy and enthusiasm for life that you can't help but be drawn to mirror her wonderful disposition. She is completely full of life, and has one of the youngest hearts of anyone I know. You can't help but feel good when she is around.

She is one of the most discerning, wise, and encouraging individuals around. Anytime I am feeling low, I dial her number. Again, when I need advice she is the one I talk to. Each time something exciting happens I call her because I know she has the perfect ability to share in another person's excitement and has mastered the complex art of being happy for others.

She is a motivator and a visionary. She works hard and selflessly for the Lord. Again, for those of you that know my mother, you know that she is not satisfied unless she is doing something for the Kingdom. For at least 21 years, her life has been characterized by service to God and others. She is proactive in seeking opportunities for other women to grow closer to the Lord. Not only that, but because of the characteristics mentioned before, along with countless others, the ministries God places her in have always displayed incredible effectiveness. God's favor surely rests on her!

When I think about returning from India, I think about being reunited with my family. They are home to me. They embody what is dear to me, and when I am near them I am satisfied. This is the mark of a wonderful mother: a wonderful family.

You may have gathered by now that I love my mom. I hope you enjoyed this extremely small and insufficient tribute to her. Believe me, it does not do her justice.

4 comments:

gail Ewing said...

My dear Zack,

I am speechless...now that is rare!!!! Your kind words have touched and humbled me deeply!

I will treasure this sweet message for the rest of my life.

I cannot wait to see you..and someone is turning big 21 soon....celebrate New York city...cant wait.

I woke up to sylvia playing manaitas to me , your dad giving me a sweet sweet gift and now this!

I love you and am honored and blessed to be your MUTHER.......mommmy dearest.....mom

Ellis said...

Zack:

What a great tribute to your mom. I know you mom and I know she cried through every word of it. You're right ... it's always difficult to personify someone so special to you in mere words. But I think that YOU are the greatest personficiation of your mother's love and dedication. The way you give yourself to the Lord and the way you serve him with abandon is the greatest statement you could ever make about the impact your mom and dad have made on your life. They leave an incredible legacy for you ... you are truly blessed.

And I am blessed to by your family's pastor.

blessings,
ellis

Unknown said...

wow..to read this was so beautiful...and so true--your mother IS all the things you say she is. She has been a blessing to me in my life. She is an inspiration as a woman, as a believer and as a mother!

That all said--Zach--enjoy your time in India--I KNOW God is using you every minute that you are there...in your photos I can see your laughter and joy have infected the people there---keep it up! Keep us updated and keep pictures coming (if possible!)

Thank you for allowing us a window into this part of the world!

Amelia

Tyne said...

Hey Zack, this is Tyne and I met you at Calvary with your parents. I really love your mom, too. And when she told me about this picture, I had to take a look. Now I can be praying for you as you share the good news. Your mom really is a jem, I have adopted her as my Valley mommy. thanks for sharing and thanks for serving!