" But many who are first will be last, and the last first. "
There are 3 references in the Gospels of this same phrase: in Matthew, here in Mark, and in Luke. I would say that gives it some significance and that we should at least ponder its meaning. I'm not going to give you the scholarly take, the pulpits take, or the biblical expert's explanation of this verse. You are lucky enough to be reading the Michelle interpretation/spin!! Yay!
What I see from this important message from Jesus, is that giving of one's self and putting others first is the way we need to go through life. We don't want to do it to gain first place or to receive an award as the most giving person or the most generous philanthropist, either. Or even, to get us in a better position in line at the pearly gates. As Christians, this should just be our modus operandi. We shouldn't even be thinking about our position or station in life, it should just flow naturally. I think too, that the most obvious example of this (other than Jesus, of course!) here on earth, is a mother.
Motherhood is certainly one of the most "last place" kind of positions that our society has. The pay, for one thing, is terrible!! As a matter of fact, it'll cost you; not only monetarily, but physically, and emotionally, as well. And, it's a lifetime commitment with not a lot of opportunities for advancement. Oh sure, you could possibly get promoted to Grandma, Gigi, Nana or Bubie someday, but you still hold the same title you currently held: Mother (in my case Mom, mom, mom, mom, mom, mom...etc and so on).
On the "first place" side though, motherhood has unbelievable benefits. You get to love. Love that grows and multiplies bigger, stronger and higher than you can ever imagine. You almost feel your heart could burst!! There are moments, too, that they love you back. AMAZE BALLS! (this phenomenon, seems to happen less when they are teenagers, but there are certainly those moments when you can still catch a glimpse). There's also the unbelievable pride that you feel. Sometimes it happens when you simply just watch your child dancing around in the living room, doing their homework, or catch them reading. Other times, it's bigger: watching them walk across the stage at graduation, getting their first job, having the people they work with or for telling you how amazing your child is, seeing them take a chance or a risk on a dream, and maybe (someday for me) telling you they found the love of their life and are going to have a baby of their own.
Lord, thank you for giving me the best/worst, first/last position in the world!
Here's a pic of the first person that made me a mom.
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| July 1990 |
And, the last.
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| December 2012 |
I wanted to give you (and my husband and children...) a list of my top picks for Mother's Day, this year. It's been a lean shopping year for me, because of our house. So this year's picks will be given with a strict budget in mind.
This tote...yes, Walmart shoppers, I like this purse! and the price is right.
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| $16.97 Time and Tru Straw Circle Tote, Walmart Comes in various colors. They were out of this color online, but I found several in my local store. |
Towel sets. (*note to my family: NOT THIS COLOR!) We are finally to the stage where the bathrooms at the new house actually have tile and counters, so of course, my mind is currently decorating the bathrooms. There is nothing better than fresh new towels in a fresh new bathroom.
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| These towels are from Kohl's and come in 21 different colors. (look more at the blues please, family!) Sonoma Goods for Life 6 Pack Towel with Hygro Technology, $64.99- Kohl's |
And, not expensive and local for me but they do have a website, these bath and body products...
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| Welcome Home in Chestertown, MD. carries this wonderful array of lotions, soaps, and other bath and body products by Barr-Co. and K.Hall Designs. Prices vary. |
Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful mom, Paulette! and to all mom's!
Have a blessed day today, and celebrate on Sunday, the best, first, last and always job you'll ever love!!
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