Today is my mom's birthday. For the past--gosh--a lot of years and a few decades I would be certain to have a card in the mail, perhaps a gift on it's way, but always be sure to make a phone call to wish her a happy birthday.
I used to think that it was the written card or gift that my mom really appreciated. But after having been a mother myself of now adult and married children with children of their own, I think that it must have been the phone call that mom appreciated most. Hearing my sons or daughter's voice is such a sweet gift from my kids now. So simple; so cheap--I mean inexpensive, but so dear and very special.
After my dad passed (over 20 years ago), my mom began volunteering different places. I thought she was filling up her days to keep busy, but really, she was doing the small things that add up. She volunteered at her city library, county political party, garden club, and city museum, to name a few. The assignments she agreed to take on were mostly small, but added up to a large contribution.
Mom passed from this life to her eternal home last year. My routine is now interrupted even though my brain still made the mental note as the 15th of December grew closer that it was time to gather together the card, a gift and make the time for a phone call.
So to honor my mom's legacy of giving time and/or resources, I decided to pick up the torch and do the small things. And, really, when I reflect on this, I have been doing it all along, throughout my life, because my mom modeled it at home.
But today was special. It was her birthday. Daniel went with me and we volunteered time at our church's Fostering Hope event. Gifts were provided for children of foster families in our community, so I spent time wrapping gifts. A small act. But so worth the time.
"And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)