“Love is patient, love is kind.” 1 Corinthians 13:4

Every time I walk downstairs in the morning, and come home from school, I pass by a little stone cross hanging by the front door. Etched into it is 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, and every time I pass it, I think of my mom. It encapsulates her grace, love, and devotion to my brother, my dad, and I. Every day she does everything she can to make my brother and I the best people we can be. She is always there for us, always kissing us goodbye, and hugging us when we get home. My whole life she has been my safe haven. Wherever we are, as long as she is there I am comfortable. She guided me through Sunday school, youth group, and Confirmation. She was with me through it all, to reflect on hard topics, answer questions, and show me God's love. Her influence on me shaped the way I see God today.

Just recently, she went on a work trip to Orlando, Florida, and during this time, I realized just how much she holds this family together. The added responsibilities I had reminded me of how much effort and time she puts in to care for me. All of a sudden, there was no one to double check that I did not forget my lunch, and no one to greet me at the door when I got home. It made me think about how grateful I am to be able to call her my mother. I realize how much I love her, and the immense respect I have for how she lives out her life.

She is patient, and she is kind. Through all my screw-ups she is right there next to me, with forgiveness. She curbs my harshness with softness, and anger with love. She has shown me what God's forgiveness is like, and shown me His kindness. God is merciful, He is kind, He is forgiving, He is caring, and most of all, He is loving. I know this because of my mom. She is the reason I am writing this today, the reason my relationship with God is how it is, and the reason I choose to live as Jesus’s hands and feet. 

Prayer: God, thank You for placing such patient and loving people in our lives. Please help us to recognize them, and express our gratitude toward them. Please let us be role models in others’ lives as well. Amen.