“Be the person you want your child to be.”
No matter your age or the age of your children, this is sage wisdom for a life of joy and meaning.
We all know what a good parent looks like, even if we didn’t have one.
Now let’s be that.
What kind of person do you want your children to be?
I want my children to be consistently kind, and to use their words to build others up.
So then, how do I need to speak?
It’s important to me that my sons are truthful and gracious.
How then must I live?
I want my daughter to seek out and vigorously defend those who need an advocate.
Does she see that in me?
I want my children to sow peace.
Do I?
Be the person you want your child to be through each season of life.
There is no expiration date for your influence on those who come behind.
Ask yourself how you would want your child to move through a tough circumstance.
Now go and do that.
I would want my beloved child to find the joy in all things. I would want her to open her heart and home to the hurting. To make life an adventure, and also to be satisfied with enough. I’d want her to say sorry often, and mean it. I’d hope she wouldn’t make mountains out of mole hills and that she’d give people the benefit of the doubt.
I’d want all my children to love others lavishly with words, and deeds, and prayers.
I am a blessed woman indeed because I have a mother who is someone I want to be.
I cannot ever possess her talents and gifts, nor fully understand any pain or loss she has suffered. I can’t claim her enviable world-wide experiences, much as I’d like.
My mother’s wide-ranging influence and the multitude of people who call her ‘friend’ is testimony to her generosity and care of others.
These stunning gifts and experiences are uniquely her own. They have helped shape who she is, I cannot inherit them by birth-right.
But I can own what she has lived out in front of me, with me, and for me.
She has filled an overflowing chest of eternal treasure with living lessons on how to be that is more precious than silver or gold.
How to be a loving mother is more valuable than a string of pearls.
How to be a true and loyal friend for the long haul is more precious than diamond earrings.
How to be a faithful and happy wife to one husband is rarer and more exceptional than rubies.
I have been bestowed a one-of-a-kind, priceless piece of art that has been sculpted, like one of Michelangelo’s pieces, over the duration of an entire life-time.
I am rich, no?
Happy birthday to my beautiful mother. She is 67 tomorrow.
I look forward to seeing all the ways she teaches me to be in this next season of her life.
Joy to you, and much grace, as you be the person you would want your child to be.
Kim
Given Breath 
Happy Birthday, Mrs. E! What a lovely present. 🙂
So beautifully said! 🙂 I remember when your Mom used to drive us to FCA in high school…I particularly remember her driving us to Northwestern University one night to see a basketball game I think?…Either way, for someone like me who grew up without a mom, I always thought how lucky you were to have such a nice one…please give her my best and wish her a Happy Birthday!!
-Marie P.
Beautiful photos and beautiful words. Thank you!
Now that I have my own teen-agers, I truly can’t fathom how she did it all:) Those are good memories. I know your girls are blessed to have you as their mother, MP. I will pass on your well wishes!
B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L!! What a true gift to her….. and a gift that I got to know her and enjoy her smile during your time in Raleigh…… I miss you Kimmy and these messages you used to tell me over coffee\tea and watching Luke and Kacey playing in their jumpy swings :)) Now they’re DRIVING – – thank you for continuing to be part of my life – through words, messages and lessons.
XOXO JJG
you are awesome!!!
ps – our moms share the same bday!!! xox