Often the first thing that comes to my mind is my mother. Last night I walked across campus in the freezing rain...and I thought boastfully about all that I had accomplished during the day. I was feeling quite proud of myself for being so productive and handling a few insurmountable hurtles...against some intense opposition. In the process of my prideful recap I was quite hung up on several hurtles that I had overcome in unpleasant circumstances. I had finished a huge day and I was a little perturbed that my completion of a very difficult day was welcomed with cold soggy shoes as I trudged in the rain. As I reflected I quickly realized I had indeed accomplished a lot of good but I had not done any of it on my own. And then my mind was flooded with thoughts of my mother and I knew that any good that had come from this day or any other day for that matter was a tribute to the woman who poured out her soul each day for her children.
As I walked I thought "I am so grateful for a mother that taught me how to do hard things." Growing up as I would encounter many things in my path that I didn't want to do my mother would lovingly say "Do it any way." and when I would not so lovingly whine in response..."WWWWWWHHHHYYY...it's not fair!" She would smile and say, "You know, your right...but someone has to do it." And she would proceed to lead the way in what ever task we were to embark for that day. I love her every day for that wise council. As much as I begrudge the amount work I do each day...I am grateful for my mother who taught me how to work hard for everything and that no one owes me anything...in fact if anyone owes anything it is ME.
As I continued to walk and think about my day I was humbled again as my mother's words again came to my mind "Serve someone today...it will make you happy" I realized I had not accomplished all I had thought...because although I had made significant progress and accomplished so much...it had come at a price. I had been impatient...I had been offended...I had been selfish. I had done a lot of good but without the right intent and as I result my mood was soured. I saw my day unfold before me and the many opportunities I had been presented with to be encouraging, smile, be patient, be understanding and show a little more charity. I had not taken these opportunities. And my mother's council rang true again...I knew that had I stepped out of myself and served with a willing heart I would be singing in the rain...rather than trudging.
As I considered all of this my mood quickly changed to one of gratitude. And once again my thoughts turned to my day and to the many people that had reached out to me and served me in my need. They had given when I had nothing...I had in fact not accomplished any of the events of the day on my own but rather with the essential help of so many others. Over and over again the faces of many loved ones flashed in my mind and I knew I was loved.
I learned a very important lesson last night. To give even when you have nothing. To serve when you don't have the time. To lift when you don't have the strength. And Remember when you have forgotten.
My mother would never leave my side without departing with the simple phrase "Remember who you are." Sometimes I forget but last night I remembered as I splashed in the last puddle at the bottom of the stairs. I am my mother's daughter and most importantly, I am HIS daughter.
I am grateful for being surrounded by people that serve me at every turn. It's those moments that I don't think I can go any further, that someone I love comes out of nowhere and lifts me up and carries me until I have my strength again. These are mortal angels in my book and I have been blessed with so many of them.
Love.
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