A Mother Like You

8 May

I wrote this about my Mom several years ago, but it is as true today as ever. Happy Mother’s Day!

A Mother Like You

A mother like you who can find?
You are worth far more than diamonds.
Your children have full confidence in you
and love just being near you.

You bring us joy, not sadness,
all the days of our lives.
You select the finest, warmest, material
and make us brightly colored pajamas.

You prepare tomato toast and Quonset huts,
and mouth-watering fudge at Christmas time.
You get up while it is still dark;
you prepare delicious lunches for your family
and for anyone else who is living with us at the time.

You consider a craft at a fair and buy it;
you copy it and make wonderful Christmas presents
for the people you love.
You do everything with enthusiasm
and joyfully take on tasks no one else wants.

You take care of the family finances
and do the taxes late into the night.
In your hand you hold the sewing needle
and control the sewing machine with your foot.

You open your arms to the teenager
and your home to anyone in need of a place to stay.
When it snows you have no fear for your household;
for all of them are clothed in warm pajamas.

You make warm blankets for your children’s beds;
you are clothed in the finest outfits from JCPenney.
Your husband is respected on the church board
where he takes his seat
among the elders of the congregation.

***
You make wonderful jelly and canned peaches.
your applesauce is delicious
and tastes great on potato pancakes.
You carry yourself with strength and dignity;
but sometimes spit watermelon seeds
at your grandchildren.

You speak with wisdom;
your children can always count on you for good advice.
You watch over the affairs of your household
and are always busy doing something.

Your husband adored you and called you Vonnie;
your children love you and praise you, saying:
Many mothers do noble things,
but you surpass them all.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a mother who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her the love she deserves
and let her works bring her praise
throughout her life – and beyond.

-Proverbs 31, RSV (Richard’s Special Version)

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!

I am truly blessed to have A Mother Like You.