What the FTD Florist Doesn't Offer

I considered sending you flowers, 

but we both know that delivered bouquets 
don't always look like the online pictures...
and although you are ever gracious about the scrawny ones...
you don't deserve such a feeble expression of thanks.

I considered a plaque or picture 
(we all know how much you love pictures), 

but we both know there is just so much room 
to park doodads and whatnots....

and although you have beautifully arranged your keepsakes....

you don't deserve the chore of finding 
just one more spot 
for something else.

I considered taking you out to one of your favorite restaurants,

 

but we both know that such plans don't always work...

and since we are years behind 
on some of our other special event outings...

you don't deserve another promise for another day.

I considered writing a blog post, 

but we both know that has already been done, here and here....

and while they don't do you justice, 

my hope was to offer a little praise and a lot of love 

that would last longer than lilies 

and take up no amount of space in your home...

but live on in your heart.

So why do it again this year?
I guess, because...
just because of unspoken words 
and gratitude that fill 
the very core of my being 
for the gift of....YOU!


 

How could I ever give you anything 
even remotely as wonderful as you deserve?

I read two "mother's day quotes" this week that really stayed with me:

"Call your mother. 
Tell her you love her. 
Remember, you're the only person who knows 
what her heart sounds like from the inside."
~Rachel Wolchin

What an amazing blessing 
to have been given the honor and privilege
 of hearing the rhythm of your beating heart
from such an innermost place...
if that were the only thing the Lord had ever done for me, 
I would consider myself favored for eternity.

You carried me close for 9 months 
and carried me closer the next 57 years,
and knowing the cadence of your inner heart 
gives me the authority to say...
that the outward expressions of your heart...
the unconditional love,
the compassionate acts of mercy,
the constant support and encouragement,
and the countless prayers 
are treasured as blessings 
I can never repay
if I lived another 57 years.

Which leads into quote #2:

If you have a mom, 
there is nowhere you are likely to go 
where a prayer has not already been. 
~Robert Brault 

While this can not be said about every mom unfortunately, 
it has been your way since God knitted me in your womb. 

   
Where would I be today 
without the prayers and petitions lifted up  on my behalf
every single day of my life?   

How many times 
have your prayers placed me in the middle of divine enclosures 
that kept me safe from roaring lions and 
my own rashness and stupidity?   

How many times 
have I felt strengthened during moments of trial 
because of my praying mama? 

Or been able to sleep soundly thru the night 
after months of exhausting tossing and turning?

Does FTD have a flower for that?

This blog post may be lengthier than some but it doesn't matter.
If the few regular readers need to click out 
due to time restraints 
I understand...
because I do that myself many days 
as time for long reads and in-depth comments  
has become a thing of the past for many of us.

This does not concern me, 
because I know 
my mama 
will do as she has always done....
continue to the end.

The love chapter in Corinthians 
describes you well, 
my precious mama:

 Love is patient and kind. 
Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. 
It does not demand its own way. 
It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 
It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 
Love never gives up, 
never loses faith, 
is always hopeful, 
and endures through every circumstance.

That
is
my
Mama
in every way!


Happy Mother's Day!


I love you always and forever!