"Mrs. K?"

My 2nd-grade year as a student was one of the most enjoyable years of my schooling. I was living in a small Oregon town called Camas Valley and I had one of my favorite teachers. Her name, ironically, was “Mrs. K.” She made me feel like I was the most valued student in her class (I assume she did that for all the students). She was always available for me to talk to before and after school. She would go out of the way to ensure that I had the best 2nd-grade year ever. 

This Mother’s Day I will be sending“Mrs. K.” a Mother’s Day card. You guessed it! “Mrs. K”, my former 2nd-grade teacher, is my mom. For most of my life, I was blessed to spend time with my mom (and my dad)  in our home and at school. The person I am today is very much a product of their direct and indirect influences on me as both parents and teachers. 

In Hebrews Chapter 11, the author walks us through a list of men and women who demonstrated lives of faith. The author references Abraham’s wife, Sarah, the mother of Isaac, as a person who demonstrated faith. She conceived in her old age because she considered God, who had promised her a child in her old age, as faithful. Yet in Genesis 18 we read how she initially laughed to herself when she heard the promise. How encouraging to us as parents. Despite her humanness, Sarah's faith was an example to her family and to future generations! 

Living a life of faith does not require constant perfection, just simple humility and devotion. As a child and a student, I’m sure I observed a few flaws in my mom at home and as my 2nd-grade teacher at school (and I’m sure she saw ten times as many in me). I also observed and still observe a consistent heart that desires to give glory to God and try to love others as He does. I can only hope that this original "Mrs. K" has rubbed off on the current Mr. and Mrs. K. 

Sometimes I feel exhausted as a parent. Other times I rejoice in the immeasurable joy of parenting. My oldest child just turned 19. Our parenting has not ended, nor will it ever end. While my dad has since passed, my own relationship with my mother continues to enrich my life. As we celebrate the mothers in our lives, may we rejoice in our Lord Jesus Christ, who through faith, grants us access to these treasures today, and so many more to come.