Grateful for a mother’s legacy | On Faith

Published 7:00 am Friday, May 6, 2016

This Mother’s Day, I’ll be mindful of four life lessons my mom modeled for me.

Look for value in what others deem worthless. For as long as I can remember, my mom loved to shop at thrift stores. Someone’s discarded junk became “a find” that found its way into our home.

As I accompanied her to the Goodwill, my mom did more than teach me how to seek hidden treasure. I learned to look beneath the surface in people to discover the value that lies within. I’m so grateful.

Keep a song in your heart. I love to sing. At Covenant Shores, I’m known as the singing chaplain. Singing has defined my life. I even taught our three daughters how to spell our “big fat Greek name” with an original song. My love for song came from a mom who was always singing. At 89, she still is. Although she is battling dementia, our phone visits conclude singing a duet. Mom can’t recall what she had for lunch, but she has no problem remembering lyrics to old hymns.

What I inherited from my mom was more than the ability to carry a tune. She bequeathed me the importance of making music no matter the circumstances of life. I can’t thank her enough.

Make others laugh. Anyone who’s met my mother knows she always has a joke. Sadly, her dementia has reduced her repertoire of funny stories to the same few she repeats over and over.

But mom’s joy in bringing enjoyment to others has rubbed off on me. I look for ways to lighten a serious staff meeting or insert laughter in a worship service. I’m grateful for a mom who personified the Biblical proverb: “A merry heart is good medicine.”

Seek God for guidance. From the time she was a little girl, faith has been mom’s compass. It continues to be on a journey marked by unexpected twists and confusing turns. I often overhear her calling out to God for help while trying to find her keys. She talks to the Lord as if He was her best friend. And for good reason. He is. As we end our phone visits, mom insists we pray. To hear her, you’d never know she has Alzheimer’s. With uncanny eloquence, she asks God to help me serve my flock and family effectively. How very thankful I am for a mother who has modeled for me how to call upon the Father.

Contact pastor Greg Asimakoupoulos at AwesomeRev@aol.com.