“If you could choose anywhere in the world to go, where would it be? I need a travel partner.”
That’s the question my mom asked me several years ago.
Traveling with anyone other than the hubs is not really something I had ever considered. Mom changed all of that. A little backstory…My Dad loved traveling…to football games. They went to a LOT of them. Mom wanted to “see the world” but Dad had served in the Korean War and had no desire to go overseas. After his death, she began feeding her “travel bug.” She went with groups, friends, and charters to places she had only dreamed of. However, physical issues began to cause some issues. In the span of three years, she shattered her leg, had two knee replacements and a hip replacement. She still wanted to travel but around was getting a bit harder for her. So…a deal was struck. She did not care where we went so I would choose and make all the plans. In return, she promised to ride in a wheelchair so she couldn’t fall and “break”.
Crowds, noise or people in my space is not something I enjoy. I enjoy watching, looking, exploring and staying to myself. Mom, on the other hand, has never met a stranger and loves everyone. Mom…loves…people. She is curious, engaging, interested and always up to a new challenge. She is also 87 years old.
“Love must be sincere…be devoted to one another in love…keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful…share…practice hospitality…rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with each other”
Roman 12:9-16
When you are curious, engaging and interested in people you put yourself out there. You accept others where they are and are truly interested in them. You want to know about their lives and tell them about yours. When you take the time to care about others you learn their hopes, dreams, failures, accomplishments, and needs. When you listen to others…truly listen…you are preparing a heart. You are gently picking the sticks up and getting them out of the way. You are raking the leaves…you are tilling the soil. You are getting the bed ready to plant. You are preparing a heart to hear about your first love…Christ. That is my mothers’ first love.
We have been near, far and parts between. We’ve explored Rome, Russia, and Istanbul. We’ve been able to take her granddaughter (my niece) on occasion and get to know her on a much deeper level. We’ve been stuck in airports together, missed flights and had lots of airport food. Memories of horrible opera are right beside those of fun Broadway plays.
And, because of my mom and her “exuberance” at meeting new people I have watched her,
…engage a young couple in St. Petersburg about the differences of Catholicism and Christianity…
…discover mutual friends of friends while worshiping in Rome…
…discuss with a tour guide the significance of Mars Hill…
…talk about Christ with a driver in Ephesus…
She picks up sticks, rakes leaves, tills the soil, and plants the seed.
“…now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God”
Luke 8:11
What else does mom do?
Once a week she goes to an elementary school to read. She attends two bible studies a week and is an “honorary” heart mom. She works at the food bank and never misses a worship service. She has taught English as a second language in Brazil and also to Chinese students. She makes phones calls, visits and sends cards. Every morning finds her sitting on the front porch waving to the kiddos as they leave for school. She knows all of her neighbors and they know her. Not just as the old woman next door…they REALLY know her…and she knows them. Why? Because she makes an effort. She puts herself out there. She is accessible.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.”
1 John 4:7
What have I learned?
Whether sitting on your front porch in Arkansas or exploring this great big world God created…
Never stop preparing soil.
Take time to pick up the sticks, rake the leaves and till the soil.
Be ready to plant…
“…and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
2 Corinthians 9:6
I want to be my mom when I grow up.
Listen to His voice,
Lee Ann
