Thankful to be Spoiled

Today is Mother's Day.

And I've been thinking about how thankful I am for both my mothers. My birth mother who put my needs above her own desires and my mom who is just an incredible woman.

And that got me thinking even further. I am spoiled.

It's Mother's Day.  So let's start with my Mom.

She's the reason disabilities don't phase me.

She's in a wheelchair. She was born with a birth defect and can't walk.

But that hasn't once stopped her.

She volunteered with my preschool and was a stay at home mom until I started Kindergarten...

At which point she started working on her teaching degree. I grew up watching her fight for her education. There would be classes she needed that were scheduled in rooms on upper floors of old buildings with no elevators. Because of the determination of  my mom (and a few others) I got to see elevators put in not just one, but several buildings on that university campus.

I remember when she was in school and I'd be dropped off on campus after school and I'd get to go have a snack and follow "cougar tracks" around the campus with her between classes. I remember her geology teacher letting me color with rocks on scrap paper while they had class. 

And that's not the half. 

I am spoiled.

My dad: A leader in the church

I remember getting to be there when he became a citizen. I was four. He's the reason I don't have to be taught to appreciate other cultures and languages.

I watched him go on a mission trip every year. I loved looking at the pictures he brought back. The crazy stories he told absolutely delighted me to listen to. He's the reason I have a passion for mission work.

Because of how he treats his family, my mother and I, and our church families... He's the reason I have super high standards for the man who will one day be my husband. He's set an amazing example of how a dad and husband should be.

I am spoiled.

 

My Metzmama (Grandmother)

The person who continually teaches me that love knows no communication barriers. One of the very few things we each know in each others native language is "I love you" and she says it to me every chance she gets. It's incredible.

I am spoiled.

 

My Gran-gran (Grandmother)

The example of beating the circumstances and fighting for what's best for your children... I wasn't there. But I know she had to go through a lot to get my mom where she is now. And the cool thing is I get to see that from the perspective of my own mother following that example and doing the same for me when it was needed.

I am spoiled.

Beyond my family I am still spoiled. 

 

I have had leaders in youth groups, campus ministries, and churches that have been amazing examples of grace, mercy, forgiveness, patience, and true Godly love.

I am spoiled.

 I have had the privilege of watching so many young girls that I love so much... continue to grow into wonderful Christian young women. It's really encouraging.

I am spoiled.

I have friends that will stand with me and pray with me through spiritual battles of all kinds. Friends that will push me and love me. Friends that want to see me continually grow spiritually just as much as I want the same for them.

I am spoiled. 

But most importantly, I have a God who gave me not only all of this... But He also gave His only son to die for me. So that I could live freely forever.  I have a God who is willing to forgive me all my sins. I have a God who not only wants my heart but who protects my heart. A God who listens and hears my prayers. A God who wants what is best for me always, even as painful and uncomfortable as it might be to go through sometimes to get there. A God who conquers all.

And I am so SO very thankful for all of that