One of the nicest compliments I have received was: ‘You are your mother’s daughter.” And certainly in the last year that same thought – I am my mother’s daughter – causes me to laugh out loud when I find myself doing something like buying a 15 pound beef brisket after seeing a Tom Thumb ad, thinking that it is quite a bargain but not thinking how is it going to fit in my freezer; or finding myself striking up of conversations with total strangers in a check-out line; or deciding to go into the Dollar Store just to “poke around” and then finding a bargain “I can’t live without” but really could.
My mom was full of life, laughter, and love! She cared deeply for her family and friends, and she also cared for strangers and people she found disagreeable. She wasn’t perfect. She would be the first to tell you that, but she got up every morning for nearly 92 years with the goal of making life perfect for everyone around her.
One of the keepsakes I came away with when we cleaned out her home was a gaudy little box with the handwritten label “Something for God to do!!” Proof once again, she liked being in charge. But seriously, I think it is just another example of her faith in God, her love for others, and her desire to share God’s love with all she met.
When opened, the box was full of tiny strips of paper in Mom’s handwriting with one sentence prayers. They covered topics asking for God’s intervention in her life: asking for patience, asking for discernment of her purpose, asking for wisdom to know what is right, asking for help on getting rid of clutter, asking how to love unconditionally, and unselfishly she prayed for her family asking for guidance in their lives.
Mom walked in love because she knew God’s love for her. She mirrored Christ’s walk of everlasting devotion for each of us.
When I was younger the thought of being an imitation of my mom was not necessarily something I aspired to but thank goodness I have gained some wisdom during my life’s journey with the realization that being an imitator of her is a good thing! She was love in action putting into practice Ephesians 5:1-2:
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Being part of FUMCFW gives me many other opportunities to be surrounded by role models who are also “walking in love.” Thank you for your faithful and generous actions in the way of service and financial gifts.
On this Valentine’s Day, I will be celebrating you! And of course I will be celebrating and attempting to imitate Mom’s walk of love, starting with the purchase of a tacky little box and labeling it “Something for God to do!!”
Including You in My Prayers of Gratitude,
Nancy Fisher
Director of Stewardship
