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It's important that we treasure and value the special time that we have
with our loved ones. The trials and tribulations that come our way are
numerous and many times we become overwhelmed with our problems and we
begin to neglect and overlook those who are most important to us. One
thing we must keep in mind is that problems will always find a way into
our lives, that is a guarantee, but what should be thought upon are the
precious memories that we fail to create because we focus more on the
temporary than we do on those who should be the center of our lives. Let
this message be a reminder to you of what should be most important in your
life. Reevaluate how you are spending your time and know that tomorrow is
not promised to us. We should invest as much quality time as possible with
those who mean the most to us because we never know when they may be taken
away from us or we from them. (James 4:14) (Job 14:1) (2 Corinthians 13:11-12)
I hope this message encourages and challenges your heart to appreciate your
loved ones and see them in a new light. Relish every moment you have
together and be quick to create memories that will last a lifetime.
THE FAMILY STRENGTH
I saw my future in-laws on rare occasions.
The 760 miles between Montreal and Halifax prevented us from being
together more than twice a year. Our meetings were few, but it was clear
to see -- I would have no use for mother-in-law jokes -- she was pure
gold. I loved her instantly.
My father-in-law was more of a challenge. Behind his serious manner, he
attempted to hide a soft heart. Few grew close enough to see his
tenderness. I like to think I was one of those who did.
They'd been through a lot in their lives. They immigrated to Canada during
the Hungarian revolution. With two young girls in tow, they crossed the
heavily guarded border into Austria and immigrated to a country they knew
little about. They sought peace and found it in Canada.
My mother-in-law suffered with cancer for many years, and although it was
in remission, we knew her time was short.
During one visit, as we left their hotel room on the night before their
departure, I glanced back to see her standing in the hall, staring after
us. Her look of sorrow brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. I
knew what she thought, “Will this be the last time?”
I stopped my wife and made her wait as I walked the distance to that small
woman and hugged her tight.
“Mom,” I whispered, “You hang in there. Come back for the wedding. I want
you here.”
The day of the wedding was hectic but joyous. Georgia and I stood
face-to-face as we said our vows. There was a tremble in my voice as I
said mine. After we were pronounced man and wife, I hugged my new bride,
took her arm and walked her down the aisle and into our future.
My mother-in-law said later, “I could hear it in your voice. I know you
meant every word you said.”
At the reception we sat at the center of the head table, as there were
numerous calls for us to show signs of affection. A spoon would strike the
side of a glass. Across the room, another would join in. The clattering of
spoons to glasses grew, until Georgia and I rose to our feet and kissed
tenderly.
It was time for speeches. When it was my turn, I stood, turned, faced my
new father-in-law, and raised my glass in the air.
“Tibor, thank you! I thank you for your courage. Many years ago, you made
a decision to flee your homeland, cross a guarded border, and make your
home in Canada. This lady beside me was born in a far-away country but now
sits beside me as my wife. It was your strength and courage that made this
possible.” With a trembling voice, I continued, “Tibor, thank you for
giving me your daughter.”
The room was quiet, except for muffled sobs. I returned to my seat and
wiped the tears from my eyes.
The afternoon flew by. We danced, hugged, and excepted words of
encouragement. At one point during the festivities, I managed to find my
mother-in-law alone. I crouched beside her chair and said, “Mom, you made
it. I'm so glad you're here.”
She hugged me, “Michael, I'm very happy. All I ever wanted, was to see
Georgia settled. Today saw it happen. I can go in peace.”
“Mom, hang in there.” I said. “I want you to see your grandchildren.”
She looked at me doubtfully. “I'm happy now. I don't expect to see my
grandchildren.”
I reached out, pulled her to me, and whispered in her ear, “Mom, you will.
I just know it.”
My mother-in-law did live to see her granddaughter. Thirteen months later
our daughter was born. She came and held her, as tears spilled down her
cheeks. Within a year, she passed on and lives forever in our hearts and
memories.
My wife, Georgia, passed away October 10th, 2003. She is with her mom now.
Two moms together for eternity.
Happy Mother's Day to my mom, my mother-in-law, Georgia -- the mother of
my children, my new wife Ginny, and to all the moms reading this story.
Mothers are the strength behind great families. I've been blessed with
some great ones.
By Michael T. Smith
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
James 1:2-5 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers
temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire,
wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth
to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
2 Corinthians 4:15-17 “For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant
grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the
inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but
for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
Psalm 145:1-5 “I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless Thy
name for ever and ever. Every day will I bless Thee; and I will praise Thy
name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and
His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Thy works to
another, and shall declare Thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious
honour of Thy majesty, and of Thy wondrous works.”
John 6:35-37 “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that
cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never
thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen Me, and believe not.
All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me
I will in no wise cast out.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: WHAT IS FAITH?
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem118.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: JESUS IS THE FAITHFUL PROVIDER
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony96.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
