Like My Mother Does

By Lauren Alaina

When I love I give it all I’ve got, like my mother does.
When I’m scared, I bow my head and pray, like my mother does.

When I was a kid, everyone used to tell me how much I am like my dad. My dad and I similar in many ways, but lately I’ve been noticing how I have been acting and sounding more and more like my mom. I may joke about it a lot, but that’s not a bad thing! I am very fortunate to have a wonderful mother who loves me, loves God, and serves his Kingdom with pride.

As I listen to the song, “Like My Mother Does,” I can’t help but think about the relationship my mom and I have. My mom’s joy, optimism, discipline, and unconditional love are just a few of the things I love about her, and I’d love to share some of that with you.
I have learned so many things from my mom, one of the most important being to find joy in the little things in life. At the end of each day, she writes down 10 blessings, 10 things for which she is grateful. Anytime she sees something that brings her joy, she will add that to her list.

Whether it be the beauty of a butterfly, the adorability of a dog’s head sticking out a car window, or a stranger’s random act of kindness, my mom can find joy in everyday things. She has the joy of a child, which I have definitely inherited, as we both laugh at cheesy jokes and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

She has given me the gift of optimism. Every day after school, mom wouldn’t just ask how my day was, but she would ask me, “What was the best part of your day?” I didn’t know it at the time, but that helped me to reflect on the day and find something good that came out of it, no matter how bad the day was.

Mom is also one of the most disciplined people I know. She can stick with a routine, she is always reading or listening to the Bible, and she has committed herself to learning more about current events. I admire my mom’s discipline so much!

Lastly, she sets for me a great example of what it means to love someone unconditionally. You see, I’m not always the easiest daughter to live with. I don’t always do the dishes or clean up after myself or do what I’m told when I’m told to do it. I annoy my mom and she ups my rent, but she always shows me grace. She loves me not just when I’m being a good kid, but even when I am disobedient.

I can only hope that one day I can be the mother she was to me, and the kind of daughter she was to her mother.

I am so grateful for my mom and for the many other women in my life that have been like a mother to me. Between my aunts, teachers, and the ladies at church who have watched me grow up, I am blessed to have had many women pour into my life in some way over the years. These strong, selfless, beautiful women have helped me become who I am today.

And though I am not a mother, I realize that there are times I can exemplify mother-like characteristics to others, like the patients I care for or the younger kids who look up to me. I want to instill in them the same kind of joy, optimism, self-discipline, and love that my mother has shown me.

This Mother’s Day, reflect on the women God has placed in your life who have cared for you and helped you along your journey. Reach out to them and thank them for their love and support.

Mom, thank you for all that you have taught me over the years. Thank you for your joyful spirit and your loving heart. I may not show it like I should, but I appreciate all that you do for me, our family, and our church. I love you soooo much! <3

Does this count as my Mother’s Day card? 😉

 “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” Deuteronomy 4:9

Click here to watch the video “Like My Mother Does”