Let's Sing, Mommy

My mother's birthday is October 7th.  This whole month I've had her on my mind more intensely, it seems.  Missing her more.  Wanting to hear her laughter.  Feel her joy.  Feed on it.  Breathe it.  Live it.  Her joy had a contagious quality to it.  Much like a catchy tune that seems to stick in your head all day.  Her joy was obvious and commanding.  You couldn't ignore it even if you tried.  She was a "greeter" at her church -- is it any wonder? -- welcoming newcomers and members alike each Sunday morning into God's house, showering them with a joy inescapable.  Countless people made it a point to share with me after her passing how much they missed seeing her at the doors of the church each Sunday, the kindness that she was so quick to share with everyone.

Now and then when sullenness hits for whatever reason, I find myself missing her more.  Needing to see her broad, genuine smile.  Her life was not easy -- and that's an understatement.  Yet she always drew upon the wellsprings of that inner joy to sustain her.  Spirit-filled joy.

When I was a little girl, often I would say to her just before going to sleep, "Let's sing, Mommy."  And we'd sing and sing and sing.  Hymn after hymn....into peaceful slumber.

Last night I was practicing a solo along with our church choir that I'll be singing this coming Sunday.  My cousin sings in the choir too, and following practice she came up to me with tears in her eyes and said, "It gave me chills, hearing you sing tonight.  I could see your mom in you, all over you, in your voice.  It was like hearing her sing again."

And THAT will sustain me Sunday morning as I sing.  She sings with me once more.  Together we will BLESS HIS NAME.

Some midnight hour if you should find 

You’re in a prison in your mind 

Reach out and praise - defy those chains 

And they will fall in Jesus’ name 

I bless your name 

I bless your name 

I give you honor, give you praise 

You are the life, the truth, the way 

I bless your name