Yesterday was Mother's Day. Yesterday we celebrated my wonderful mother, making her a big breakfast, going to church, watching movies, and over all just loving on her. And while we celebrated her and spent time together, I forgot to do some sort of public Mother's Day post...so here it is :)
Whenever I reflect on this amazing woman that has raised me, I'm overwhelmed by how blessed I am to call myself a daughter of Darlene Myles. Absolutely overwhelmed.
She has loved me unconditionally over the past 23 years, even though there were many times that I didn't deserve it. I put her (and dad) through hell on earth for quite a few of those years, and yet, that love never wavered or died. And for that, I want to thank you.
Mom,
You have taught me so much in my short 23 years since you brought me into the world. You've taught me what it means to always put others before yourself, even when those people have a track record of treating you poorly in return. You've taught me the value of giving and loving selflessly, even if it may never be reciprocated. You've taught me that kindness and compassion should never be reserved for those who i deem deserving, but that it should be extended to everyone. You've taught me how to humbly apologize when you've made a mistake, even if it's still a skill that I'm still working on developing. You've taught me more life skills than anyone ever has, even if that teaching was allowing me to fumble my way through a new situation, because you knew I needed to learn that lesson on my own. You have allowed me to be my own person, and you have never tried to tame my wild side....even though I know sometimes it makes you shudder. You have not only taught me what being an amazing mother looks like, but you have taught me what being an amazing human being looks like. The way you give selflessly of your time, talents, and treasure is remarkable. You've shown me what loving The Lord with all your heart truly looks like, even through periods of hardship and struggle. You've taught me that I deserve to be loved, and how I deserve to be treated by a man, through the love that you share with Dad.
Mom, you ARE the Proverbs 31 woman.
I know at times, the past 23 years have been rocky, but I'm so excited for what the coming years of our Mother-Daughter relationship are going to look like.
I love you so much Mom! My cup, it overflows.
Love Your First-born,
Amanda
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (Proverbs 31:10-31 NIV)
