In Honor of My Mom

She was the one who knew me the most. During the days of my youth, she knew the combination of words to put together; To motivate me, encourage me, and give me a sense of relief and support. In obedience to her I was blessed, in disobedience to her... Well let's just say the lesson learned came at the age of 25 when my car broke down. In any direction the times of counsel and care that came from my mom's lips were like no other, and indeed there is no other replacement for your own mother. 

To describe my mother, may I start with her faithfulness? Her faithfulness was in the every morning. "Jarid, time for school." Out of the three children I was probably... Ok was the most difficult to get ready for school. Colton your request was cereal, and Angel you dragged yourself out of bed, but like a caterpillar in a cocoon I wrapped myself even tighter in the blankets. Forming faithfulness my mom would make the second call. "Jarid, alright it is time to get up." Walking down the stairs the routine would start. A bowl of cereal, a comb of the hair, and sports highlights on ESPN. "Alright, time to go." My brother and I would plead, "But mom, Sports Center's top 10 plays are on!" Patient enough she would drive up to the front and wait for us. 

Me, Colton, my mom, and Chris
Going to the game!

We used to say Colton was the favorite. Well, when he had to sleep with my mother up till the age of 7 due to the asthma that would cause him to stop breathing in the middle of the night, maybe there was a special bond that developed. My mom would feel him in the middle of the night struggling with breathing, or completely stop. Only my mother knew these signs, therefore he stood close to her side for many years. The love and affections my mother had for my brother taught me. You may see me with a homeless person, someone who is downcast, those in trouble or need, or a stranger who just needs to talk to. If you look close enough you may see some of the same mannerisms of gentleness that my mother had for my brother. 

Faithfulness in the every school morning, and the quietness of love she had for Colton are two things that lovingly linger on my heart. But one word stands above them all as I think about the personal narrative I had with my mother. We can pick our friends, and choose a spouse, (God graciously guide us in His unfailing love and reproof.) But one thing we cannot choose is our parents. Indeed one may be able to choose in our later years or out of situations of our parents passing away, but in terms of biological we have two, and God blesses us with the command to obey them in the Lord. Above the rest, the word that is written on the front of the folded paper of the narrative of our relationship is, 'wisdom.' God in many instances speaks through our parents to give us wisdom. In one of the major life transitions I had she suggested the Peace Corps. During prayer God affirmed these words and since unraveled my calling of being a missionary. Thankful to my mom would in the stillness of love, gently stirred me in this direction. Her wisdom affirmed and guided much of the last 7 years. Indeed my mother knew me like no other and gave timely words of wisdom. 

After the recent passing of my mother Wendy, I know the moments on the couch of sitting and listening to her words of wisdom are no longer. To speak of future of a family, moments when I am in danger and dread, in the midst of fruitful friendship, in times of being uncertain and unsure she will no longer be there. But as the days have been counted the seasons have changed, the Lord has ushered my mind into His providence of relief and truth. Those who see and know the passing of my mom have embraced me a little tighter, spoken to me with more care, and with endearment checked up on me. This has comforted me. Along with this, it has allowed me to relate and dwell with others who have had their mom's passing. And for that, I can say I am thankful.

Last picture we had together

If you, yes you are reading this blog, I would like to suggest something to you. It is by divine design that you have a mother and father. If it has been years that you have no contracted them, I plead with you to talk once more with them. The options are few, call and connect, or get the phone call my sister got at 4am. Pick up the phone give a call, I am sure there are many parents with every phone call they get, they are hoping it's you on the other line. May forgiveness and grace be with you.