My sweet Mama. I am visiting her in Texas and can't help but share with you the top three things I see that have made her, at almost ninety, the most sought after lady in her retirement condo community (apart from the fact that she has a car and still drives! :) Perhaps it is a life time of intimate fellowship with our Lord or the seventy years of Scripture study she has taught and lived out or all of the sweet tea she drinks, or a combo of all of the above, but whatever it is, here they are:

1. She always takes the time to be kind and to make everyone feel loved, cared for and special. She is a "there you are" kind of person, (outward facing), not a "here I am" (inwards facing) kind of person. She lights up the room with her genuine smile and seeks to notice and speak to others-even total strangers (and to hand them a piece of Werther's candy, if they are not diabetic).

2. She finds reasons to celebrate the every day -big or small. She down-sized and lives in a one bedroom apartment with only one closet. Looking inside on the shelves I see a funny hat, holiday sweaters, and items of decor so she can adequately party like the rock star that she is ...in style. She changes her bedspread, shower curtain and pillows seasonally so things never get dull or boring, even in a cozy space. She makes the most of what she has and makes it beautiful... because, "some things are just worth the trouble". 

3. She chooses to be happy. She trusts fully in the heart of the God of love and no matter what comes her way, sees it through the eyes of faith. Her motto: "The time to be happy in NOW. The place to be happy is HERE." Her "happy" is not dependent on circumstances, her "happy" comes from the inside. She does not hang on to hurts allowing herself to become bitter but instead forgives and moves on. She chooses to trust God, love others and be happy. 

Thank you Mama for the wise lessons you have taught me…without ever having to say a word. I love you and am so happy you finally got internet so you can read this! So proud of you! 89 and still learning new things…like how to get on "the line". LOL! 

"The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior,

Who will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love,

Who will sing joyfully because of you…" Zephaniah 3:17 *

Dear Lord, 

Please make me like Mama, good, sweet, kind, generous and trusting. Help me to have a childlike faith that seeks to please You by loving others. Please give me the grace to celebrate the everyday and to forgive others, no matter how deep the wrong. Make me more like You ( and her) I pray. 

I ask this in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

* Mama's favorite verse. :)