Dear Mom,

You always wanted to be a Mommy. The years went by, and the house was empty of what you wanted the most. You wanted one baby, just one, but none came. You struggled as the hope began to die in you. Until, one day you decided to claim a promise: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." You gave God your desire for one baby. You chose to delight in Jesus. Then a miracle happened. You gave God your one, and He multiplied it. You went from being the mother of none to the mother of five all at the same time. As long as you have been "Mom," I've always known you as a woman of grace.

I read these verses about Abraham a few days ago, and I thought of you. "In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, 'So shall your offspring be.' He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about one hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised" (Romans 4:18-21). The story of how you became a Mom is a story of hope against hope, of God doing what seemed impossible. All my life, I have been able to see that God is able and working because look at how I was born! And I have always been able to look and see the faith of my mother.

When I look at you, I see a woman of grace because you have always modeled for me a life of faith and love. You are not perfect, but you are always seeking after Jesus and digging into His word. You have a giving heart and a gentle and quiet spirit. You are full of laughter and joy. It isn't easy being a mom to such a crazy bunch like us, but you've made people turn around and ask "How did you do it?" And you always talk about how God gives us strength for every season.

Our home is a special place because of you. I can tell you anything, and you've always been there when life is tough and I'm struggling. I love the memories of us kids talking with you and laughing and just being with you. You've been my parent, best friend and counselor throughout the years. I sat down to write this, and I wanted to express how wonderful I think you are and how much I love and appreciate you. I think these words say it best: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." (Proverbs 31:29). You surpass them all because you live a life that delights in Jesus, and that gives our home, our family, and everyone you come in contact with a whiff of the sweet fragrance of God's love and grace. I hope one day I can be as amazing a woman, wife and mother as you are. Happy Mother's Day!

Love,

Your daughter