My Walking Heart

“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”

Several years ago I read this quote inside a baby shower gift card.  It has stuck with me ever since.  I can’t think of anything that depicts motherhood any better than this. My heart is walking around in five different people right now. Actually my heart is walking around in nine different people right now. The spouses of my children are just as much my children as the ones I actually gave birth to. Words can’t explain how much I love them. When your heart is outside of your body, it is the ultimate in vulnerability and risk. The pain is greater when your heart is stepped on, but the indescribable joy of seeing your children grow up into adults who have a deep love for Jesus far outweigh any pain.  I love love LOVE my children!

Today I want to honor some special moms in my life.

This is my mother, and she is so special to me. One important thing that Mom imparted to me while I was growing up was a love for community.  We always had people living with us. Everyone felt welcomed in our home. It’s hard to remember a time when we DIDN’T have someone living with us!  I appreciate her modeling that Godly character for me. It prepared me well for a life with extended family as a pastor’s wife and now as a missionary.

Mom is such a positive person. When I was a little girl, I remember many times that she would get us all through a difficult situation by choosing to laugh. Her laughter is so contagious!  Also when my five kids were growing up, she was always a phone call away.  She loved spending time with her grandchildren and always wanted to babysit.  That was such a help! I love you, Mom, and pray you have a wonderful Mother’s Day, even though half of your family is now on the other side of the Atlantic. We love you!

I also want to tell my grandmother how very much I love her.  Momo, there has never been or ever will be a better grandmother than you. I have always said that if I can be half of the grandmother that Momo is, that I would be happy and content.  She is amazing.  I love you, Momo!

Another woman who is like a mother to me is this precious one:

I love Gayle so much.  She has always been my second mom and always will be. I know she prays for me a lot and loves me like a daughter.  Just knowing that she is a Facebook message away means the world to me!  I love you, Gayle!

Last but not least, my girls are the greatest moms!  I love them so much and am so proud of the mothers they have become. They have given me seven gorgeous, smart, precious grandchildren. I love all three of you so much!

So Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers in my life.  God has chosen you to be your child’s mother for a reason. You are the absolute best choice for them.  Your life and values are being imparted to them every single day. What an awesome privilege! My heart is walking around outside my body in nine different people, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.