Naturally, as I enjoy it, I am thinking of her; praying for her; and thanking God for her. You never know where your blessings in life are going to come from. This one came into our lives in part due to our prayers, and in part due to Jon pursuing her! We are so glad he did.
She makes me think back to the precious mother-in-law that I had. She loved me, and she encouraged me, and she chastised me, lovingly. She stood up for her son, but acknowledged he wasn't perfect. And she loved her grandkids like any good grandma should. As I think about parts of her life, my heart aches for what she went through. I don't think folks understood things like depression back when she needed that understanding. So, she did the best she could to live up to Mrs. Cleavers' example. She had a husband who loved her, and supported everything she did with their three sons. And then a brain tumor stole him away. But she never stopped being that ideal that she felt was expected. Even when she received the medical report of her terminal condition, she was willing, and determined, to be the strong one.
As women, we look for others to emulate. I never thought I could do or be all that she was, and did. It just seemed like too much! But, she is one of those models that I always keep before me.
And that brings me back around to thinking about my daughter-in-law. April is everything I hope I was to my children, but I know I probably wasn't. I didn't give them the time she puts into my grandchildren. I didn't create spaces for them to be creative, like she does. I didn't pray for them nearly as much as she prays for hers. While I addressed my husband's basic needs when he came home from work, I didn't try to get into his areas of interest and join him there (until recently).
To say she is amazing seems almost superficial. But in truth she seems to be more than that. Her genuine sincerity makes everyone feel as though she is most concerned about them. Her unfailing trust in God comes out in the way she loves. And I know that love was instrumental in our grand-daughter making a profession of faith at age five. (And no, I don't think that's too young. Just ask her daddy, who did it at three.)
She confirms my faith in the Lord. I love sharing Him with her!
April's fault? She tries to be and do everything for everyone, and that makes her late! She just can't seem to be on time, but it's because she is busy thinking about everyone else. And when she smiles, laughs and apologizes, how can you not forgive her? She was probably writing one of those darling Thank You notes to someone. Or on the phone with them, listening and encouraging. As I went through a spiritual wilderness around Christmas, and we were visiting them, I began crying one day. I was embarrassed, mad at myself, and I couldn't stop. She put her hand on mine and prayed for me! She didn't judge or condemn or question or criticize. She accepted me, and lifted me up to God. I have a few friends who might do that. I never imagined I would have a daughter-in-law who would, and who would also be so kind, thoughtful and gentle.
I don't know why God blessed our family with this woman. But, we all agree it was His doing. It's just too hard to imagine it happening by chance.
So, as I am reaching the bottom of my smoothie, I want to thank Jesus for all of my blessings. They all link together to create a beautiful mosaic of love in front, behind, and around me; and April is one of the most important links that helps remind me that all good things come from Him.
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