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Girl Meets God
by Melissa Mathews
That you must train the child to be.
-Charlotte Mason
I got my mother's day gift early. I'm sure Mark didn't even know he'd given it to me. It wasn't wrapped, and how much it cost is hard to guess. But I was so moved I had trouble controlling my tears in the electronics department.
Our family of six was snaking its way through our always overcrowded Wal-Mart. Daddy Scott led, then baby-7-year-old Grant. Slim and serious Mark was next, then me. I was hoping that the two following, 12-year-old Max, and wanderer Jackson were still behind me. We had dodged past an Hispanic family, then weaved around an East Indian family as we headed down the main aisle toward the toy department. (Mark had finally decided to spend his January birthday money on a light saber.)
Scott suddenly led our little row of ducks in front of the card section towards the electronics department.
And then it happened- as fast as all get out. If I had been looking the other way, I would have missed the best gift I can remember to date.
A lady was backing away from the cards, and we were gliding forward-forward-right-left through the crowd. As she stumbled away from the display, she dropped a card right in front of Mark.
In one fluid movement, he leaned over, picked up the card, handed it to the lady who was wearing a pink flowered shirt, and said "You're welcome" to her smile.
My mind hit fast-forward- and suddenly Mark was no longer a thin, ten-year-old. He was broad shouldered with lots of dark, brown hair. And this handsome young man was serving a stranger who I now noticed had a mild form of Cerebral Palsy.
A tear made it to the corner of my eye. And the more I watched this genteel teenager, the prouder I became.
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." That's what Proverbs 22:6 says. I was already seeing a glimpse of the pay-off that comes from being "Mom," and it is so worth the price.
That card dropped on the floor of Wal-Mart was my best Mother's Day Card yet.
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To My Mom, Marilyn Bell Goins:
Happy Mother's Day. I hope my life has been a "card" that tells the world what a great Mom you were. You taught me to serve, because you do it like no one else I've ever seen. I was lucky enough to inherit your gift of hospitality, and you gave me a heart for ministry. I Love You!!! Melissa Jane
Scott and I have been married 22 years and currently live in Northern California where we are beginning year five as church planters. I also teach 12th grade English and love it.
I would love to hear from you. Email me anytime at melissa.g.mathews@gmail.com
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