Life is like a leaf: green, colorful, fading, and falling.
It seems only yesterday my mommy, as I called her then, was thirty-three and I was five. I cried every morning of Kindergarten but she insisted I go. Overcoming tears and anxiety was important as she knew.
I have memories growing up of mommy making us fried potatoes, pinto beans and cornbread, tomato gravy and biscuits, or sometimes less. I remember discipline with tough love. She combed my hair while I complained. We played jacks and board games. Most times, I didn’t win because she knew I needed to learn perseverance. Times were tough for my mother but she pushed me to grow while providing security in a home with meager means and many obstacles.
The most impactful event for my mommy and I occurred at age thirty-five and seven. My mommy realized she was a sinner and became a born again believer leaving a legacy forever changing my life. She modeled Spirit-filled living. Love, joy, prayer, praise and worship exuded from her. From her lifestyle, I learned what salvation looked like. Mommy grew like green leaves on summer trees.
When I became a young adult I changed mommy to mom. And I too became a born again believer. I married and made her a grandmother. She found immense joy in my children and my sibling’s children as well. She enjoyed spending time with grandchildren and attending church. She also enjoyed cleaning, cooking, yard sales, time with friends, trips to Muddy Pond (nearby Amish community), reading, crossword puzzles, playing dominos and watching game shows. During these years she lived a bright and beautiful life, like colorful leaves on fall trees.
At eighty-three and fifty-five much has changed for mom and me. Her life is fading as her body and mind decline, so I strive to provide her the security she once gave me. Her life is fading like leaves on late fall trees.
The greatest display during our lifetime is that of salvation, spiritual growth and genuine joyful living. God gave His only begotten son Jesus and if we realize our condition as sinners and accept him, we will make the greatest impact on our children and others. Are we living lifestyles teaching others how to grow and produce colorful prosperous years before we fade and fall back, like leaves, to the ground in which we came?
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Isaiah 64:6
What a beautiful tribute to your mother. It brought to me many precious memories of my relationship with my mother. She’s been gone to be with Jesus for 22 years now, but I miss her every day. Thank you for blessing my day with your message.
Katherine, thank you for your response. I’m not sure how long my mom will be living but she is a tremendous blessing. Sorry you lost your mother twenty-two years ago. I’m glad I could be a blessing and that God used this writing to evoke precious memories.
I love this Lisa! Love reading about your family. Your mother sounds like such a Godly lady. I had a good mother and I do know she made a confession of faith before she passed away. What a blessing to have a mother to take you to church so you can learn about Jesus and salvation!
Thank you Gaye for your encouraging comment, my mom’s salvation is forever etched in my mind. Glad your mom professed also, even if later in life.
Lisa, my mom also loved a Godly life before her family. And yes she took us to church and Sunday school. As I have often thought about those things , I realize what a powerful impact it had on my life. Mom has been gone for 33 years and I still miss her. Cherish your mom while she’s here as I know you do. Love and prayers.
Karen, I do cherish her but at times I worry about what is best for her and what the future holds. I need to embrace and accept what lies ahead for God will supply the grace we need. Thank you for love and prayers.
Such a tribute to your mom. You are blessed to still have her and be able ro take care of her. God bless
Anita, I am blessed to have my precious Momma and to take care of her whatever that intails in the future.
A lovely tribute to your mother!