Mommy’s boy

It was a long time ago in a place far, far away that I served as a youth director. It was my first full-time position as a paid staff member. Every other week I had Friday and Saturday off. Although I had a social life (not much), I wanted to go home to see my parents at least once a month. I will never forget my pastor calling me into his office and telling me I needed to take my down time in town. When I told him I was going home to visit my parents, he scoffed, “What’s the matter? Are you a mommy’s boy?” To which I replied, “Yes, sir!”

God blessed me with a wonderful home. My dad was a sweet man who loved Mom and me. He worked hard, lived clean and left a Christian legacy. Yet, I was a mommy’s boy. Mother would play ball with me. She was the athlete in the family. She had this incredible insight that made me feel like she was almost omnipresent and omniscient. Mother was a wonderful witness. She lived for the Lord Jesus. I miss her more today than the day she went to Heaven.

God also blessed me with an incomparable mother for my children. June is the most caring and gentle person I know. She is sacrificial and loving to a fault. I have observed her for 35 years pouring her life into others, especially our children and me. She is a fantastic wife. She is a model mother. If anyone personifies the Proverbs 31 Virtuous Woman, it is June.

Now God has given me a serendipitous blessing. I have two daughters who are mothers. Our youngest daughter, Rebekah, had our first grandchild almost three years ago. It has been a joy to watch her mother Hannah Grace. Rebekah always liked to play with dolls. Rebekah is the frillier of our two daughters and now Gracie is her real-life doll. Pink toenails and princess beds are in order. Gracie has no choice but to be her mother’s daughter. Now Rebekah is scheduled to deliver Julia the first week in June. Another girl will get a loving mother who will shape her in her most feminine image.

Rachel was our first born. She was more of a tomboy growing up. When she was in the eighth grade I believe she could have started as quarterback on the football team. She has developed into a cultured lady who is scheduled to give us our first grandson in the middle of June. Rachel is worried about how she is going to adapt to motherhood. I don’t think there will be much difficulty. She was especially close to my mother and will take cues from what she learned from both her and June. I think Rachel will probably end up with a mommy’s boy.

If I live long enough I may get to see Nathan get married and have children. If God is gracious to allow that, I just know he will find the kind of woman who will love her children too.

Some people can’t relate to what I have written because they do not have the precious memories I have. You can experience love and acceptance that is even greater than a mother’s love, the love of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. God is able to fill the void. You can then touch someone else with his love.

May you celebrate our Lord’s grace and have a happy Mother’s Day. From a mommy’s boy!