Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:23

Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
    your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
   How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
    in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 36:5-7

It’s a very special day today, for my Mom turns 86. I wrote in her Birthday card, “You are a miracle.” For she is. To have lived 86 years on this earth and remain an anchor to those around her; she lives a life of blessing to others despite the things she suffers. She says, “I’m fine.” But daughters know things.

She wakes and immediately starts doing, going, serving and in between it all, she remain open to God’s blessings and wondrous works. She doesn’t miss His blessings…….she is first to look for the first robin of Spring, even when circumstances in her life are tiresome and stressful. She goes against the tide of negativity that sometimes flows around her. I hope I have learned something from her.

It seems fitting to celebrate her Birthday today, during this 34th day of Lent, the days of sacrifice leading up to the One big sacrifice given for all mankind by Jesus. For this is what my Mom clings to. It’s what she frames her life around.

She knows where she’s going and that’s why she can continually lift her eyes to the Heavens with hope.

It’s why we all can.

She gave us all a scare when I was home, she felt faint and sat down in the kitchen before she passed out. My brother and I each grabbed an arm and led her to the couch where I plugged in the electric heating blanket. Dad put a pillow under her feet and we made her promise to stay there for at least an hour.

After I got home I called and asked how she was. Dad said, “Oh, she feels a little weak but she went to the store.”

What’s a daughter to do with such a strong willed Mom? Now that I am older, I wonder how many times she said the same about me?