(I’m front middle and that’s Mom right behind me)

My mother – through her example and her actions – instilled in me a recognition of the value of spirituality as it relates both to health and to everyday life. She didn’t push spirituality at others, she quietly lived it – in patience, caring, tolerance, and in a daily practice of Scripture reading and prayer.

I remember her caring for me and praying for me when I was sick. And I remember one summer, with us four kids out of school and home each day, how she gave us weekly assignments of questions for which we had to find answers in the Bible. We were also expected to attend Sunday School year round. To this day, I value her making spirituality a priority in our lives. It has afforded me better mental and physical health, greater compassion for others, and a life filled with purpose.

Thanks Mom!

Here are excerpts from Proverbs chapter 31 in the poetic language of the KJV Bible that form a lovely tribute to mothers:

Who can find a virtuous woman?
She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household…
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor;
Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Strength and honour are her clothing;
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
She looketh well to the ways of her household…
Her children arise up, and call her blessed;
…a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

Happy Mother’s Day!