I Wonder
A tribute to Mother
(Written for a scrapbook for Mom and Dad’s Golden Wedding in l963)
Many times I wonder how Mother ever managed to keep nine children from serious illness, injury or even death. It must have taken constant watchfulness, been a tremendous strain, required a lot of praying and many times seemed a thankless job.
I wonder how she kept everybody clothed in a day when she had to make most everything tht was worn. And sewed by hand at that. And the washing on the scrubboard. And so many overalls. I know how dirty boys can get. How they go through the knees. And catch their shirts and pants on nails and boards.
I wonder how Mom kept us all fed. She couldn’t go to the corner supermarket and load up her basket as we do noadays. Even I can order Japanese noodles and we can slurp them up when I’m in a hurry. Without refrigeration food had to be thought of months in advance. Vegetables and fruits canned by the hundreds of quarts while they were in season. And my Mom never read Adele Davises’ “Let’s Eat Right To Keep Fit,” but we were fit.
I wonder how Mom could diagnose and treat illnesses like a doctor. She couldn’t pick up her telephone and tell her pediatrician about the ssore throat, the fever or the breaking out.
I wonder how many dishes Mom washed in her lifetime; how many loaves of bread she baked; how many cakes and pies she made. How many batches of delicious donuts and cookies. There were no cake mixes, instant frosting mixes or donut makers, either.
I wonder as I’ve watched my 4 boys how she lived through the antiques of 8 boys. I wonder how she stood one girl, especially through those fickle teen years.
I wonder how she was able to say “good-bye” so bravely to all of us as we left home for trips, school, some for army posts and battlefields, and for mission fields. I wonder how many times she has prayed for each of us; how many tears have been shed for us; how many promises have been claimed for us.
But there are some things I don’t wonder about. I know:
“...her price is far above rubies; ...strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come...she openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness...she eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also and he praiseth her...A woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised...let her own works praise her.
“...And He will fulfill the desire of them that praise Him.”
He Answers Prayer
He promises wisdom...He promises strength,
He gives it out freely when mine is all spent.
He shares all my burdens when none else may care,
He lifts and He comforts; He answers my prayer.
He yearns over sinners so bent on sin’s path,
He sends prods to turn them away from God’s wrath;
He raises up loved ones and good friends who dare---
To pray and to plead ‘til there’s answer to prayer.
(Written for a scrapbook for Mom and Dad’s Golden Wedding in l963)
Many times I wonder how Mother ever managed to keep nine children from serious illness, injury or even death. It must have taken constant watchfulness, been a tremendous strain, required a lot of praying and many times seemed a thankless job.
I wonder how she kept everybody clothed in a day when she had to make most everything tht was worn. And sewed by hand at that. And the washing on the scrubboard. And so many overalls. I know how dirty boys can get. How they go through the knees. And catch their shirts and pants on nails and boards.
I wonder how Mom kept us all fed. She couldn’t go to the corner supermarket and load up her basket as we do noadays. Even I can order Japanese noodles and we can slurp them up when I’m in a hurry. Without refrigeration food had to be thought of months in advance. Vegetables and fruits canned by the hundreds of quarts while they were in season. And my Mom never read Adele Davises’ “Let’s Eat Right To Keep Fit,” but we were fit.
I wonder how Mom could diagnose and treat illnesses like a doctor. She couldn’t pick up her telephone and tell her pediatrician about the ssore throat, the fever or the breaking out.
I wonder how many dishes Mom washed in her lifetime; how many loaves of bread she baked; how many cakes and pies she made. How many batches of delicious donuts and cookies. There were no cake mixes, instant frosting mixes or donut makers, either.
I wonder as I’ve watched my 4 boys how she lived through the antiques of 8 boys. I wonder how she stood one girl, especially through those fickle teen years.
I wonder how she was able to say “good-bye” so bravely to all of us as we left home for trips, school, some for army posts and battlefields, and for mission fields. I wonder how many times she has prayed for each of us; how many tears have been shed for us; how many promises have been claimed for us.
But there are some things I don’t wonder about. I know:
“...her price is far above rubies; ...strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come...she openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness...she eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also and he praiseth her...A woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised...let her own works praise her.
“...And He will fulfill the desire of them that praise Him.”
He Answers Prayer
He promises wisdom...He promises strength,
He gives it out freely when mine is all spent.
He shares all my burdens when none else may care,
He lifts and He comforts; He answers my prayer.
He yearns over sinners so bent on sin’s path,
He sends prods to turn them away from God’s wrath;
He raises up loved ones and good friends who dare---
To pray and to plead ‘til there’s answer to prayer.
posted by Lila @ 7:28 PM
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