A Mother’s Touch
It’s Sunday morning and church is about to begin. Al and I spot our grandson in the white robed group of high schoolers lining up in the hallway. He’s singing with the “IXOYE” choir today.
IXOYE is an acronym using the beginning letter of the Greek words “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior.” What a helpful way to remember who Jesus is and why he came to earth!
We scurry up the side aisle to join our son-in-law Chris and youngest grandson, Elliot, who have graciously saved us seats. I sit down beside Elliot, feeling a pang our daughter Shanda is no longer with us; and Al takes the end of the pew next to me. Although it’s good we’re together in this moment, I still miss her. We all do.
The service starts with a hymn, and we stand in unison to sing “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing!” There aren’t a thousand tongues this morning, but on a world-wide scale just think how many people are raising their choruses of praise to God!
Next, the youth choir presents a comforting song from the Bible… “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”( Jeremiah 29:13) I soak in the encouraging promise contained in the song, thinking the young people in the choir are learning a beautiful promise, one that will surely help them in the future.
I am glad Nate is in the choir and Elliot as well. Elliot’s middle school choir will be singing in the second service this morning. Both boys have participated in various choirs at church through the years, thanks to Chris and Shanda’s encouragement.
One or more of the children’s choirs are often included in the worship services, a gift to those of us in the congregation who are on the receiving end. We always respond enthusiastically, applauding them and their leader’s efforts.
And such is the case as the IXOYE choir finishes singing!
During the sermon, Elliot slides closer to Chris and rests his head on Chris’ shoulder. Chris holds his hand, giving Elliot a tender look. It has only been six months since Shanda’s passing.
At the next opportunity, I tell Chris, “Good job, Dad!”
When Al hears about that special moment between Chris and Elliot, he replies, “Well, now Chris has to be dad and mom.”
So true. As a single parent, Chris is adjusting to his new role, organizing schedules, driving the boys to one activity after another, keeping the house in order, feeding them…
Then there’s the nurturing aspect, providing guidance, understanding and affection for these two young teen-aged boys. Shanda was good at that.
“I love being a mom,” she used to say. And it showed.
Mother’s Day brings a mixture of emotions this year. As I think about my own mother, I’m so grateful for her support and love throughout her lifetime. At the age of 80, mom came to help for a few days after I had fallen and broken my hip.
“Do you want me to rub cream on your feet?” she asked one morning.
“Of course!” What power in a mother’s touch!
She also loved being a mom to the five of us kids, even though one Labor Day holiday she emphatically stated, “I have gone through labor five times. I don’t want to do that anymore!”
After she passed away, I used to look through the mail expecting to see a letter from her. How I missed those weekly letters and phone calls!
Around that same time, I began receiving letters from Doris, a friendly woman whom Al and I met on a two-week tour of Israel and Greece. For many years, Doris has continued to write, helping to fill the void in my life. She too has the mother’s touch!
To Shanda, Chris, my mom, Doris and to all of those people who have a “mother’s touch,” thank you! And to the Lord, who knows how to soothe a hurting heart, who loves us with an everlasting love, who’s compassionate and kind… Thank You!
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’ The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.” Lamentations 3:22-25 NIV
Judy Lowery is a former resident of Springville. Contact her at judylynnlowery@ocsnet.net