Sounds of Hope

Yesterday we went to the graduation of my husband’s nephew.  It was hard to find him in the sea of graduates.  It was hard to find his parents, siblings, and his cousin who had come to celebrate this momentous occasion.  Eventually, we heard his name, saw him wave to his parents, and like that feeling when you finally find Waldo, we were satisfied.   I spent a lot of time looking at the women.  I determined I wanted a dress.  So many pretty spring dresses.  I am self-conscious about so many things but here were all these women, in all shapes in sizes dressed for spring celebrations.  Yellows, purples, flowers, and butterflies contrasted to my black skirt and shirt.  It’s definitely time for some color in my wardrobe.  Now that my mood has brightened, it’s time to update my drab look. As I uncomfortably sat on the bleacher bench enduring the hundreds of names being read, I thought how special this day is for their mothers.  What a wonderful Mother’s Day present for their moms!  I thou

Everyone has a mother.   Probably most people would say their relationship with their mother was complicated.   I honestly don’t know any mother who is totally worthy of sainthood, except for maybe someone like Mother Teresa.   Yes, she would count.   Not to minimize her in any way, but remember, she never gave birth to a child.   For that reason, she really doesn’t count. I think all mothers need huge doses of grace.   I think our perfect mother, Mother Teresa depended on those huge downloads of God’s grace too.   I remember my mother would say often, “Lord, give me patience.”   I am told that as a child I would repeat her statement saying “Lord give me a patience.”    My relationship with my mother was typical.   It was typical in that it wasn’t perfect.   This is my second Mother’s Day since she went home to be with Jesus.   I know she is happy to be home.   In her later years, probably the last 20, we heard over and over, I just want to go home to be with Jesus.   She is where sh