My Mom’s Legacy
We arrived our church’s worship service a little later than usual.
I take that back.
We pulled into the parking lot at the same time we usually arrive at our church’s parking lot. The lot was more full than usual, though. Even all of the handicap spaces were taken. That’s what happens on Mother’s Day, I guess. After finally finding a spot,* Mihret and I hustled back to the Children’s Ministry area.
As you would expect, we entered the Children’s Ministry area a little later than usual, walking in while the children were gathered around the stage in anticipation of some singing and dancing. And there was Aiden, up on stage, preparing the Upper Elementary students for a time of corporate praise and worship.
He leads them in songs like this:
Now, this isn’t the first time I’ve seen Aiden lead kids in singing and dancing on Sunday mornings. We were a tag-team, of sorts, when we helped our church open a second campus.
(That’s Aiden, Stage Right, in case you couldn’t tell)
It had been a while since I watched him lead. So I stayed for a few moments and soaked in the whole experience.
And then it hit me.
I’m sure I was influenced by the fact that it was Mother’s Day, but I believe this was an important revelation. This is part of my Mom’s legacy.
I’ve talked before about my earliest memories: moving back to Indiana from Tennessee and visiting my newborn brother in the hospital. Many of the memories after that involve sitting in the pew at church on Sunday mornings.
Here’s what I remember…
I remember Brother Taylor’s booming voice when he preached. I don’t remember anything he said, but I do remember his voice filling the room. It’s doubtful that he would have needed a mic. After the service, he stood in the vestibule and shook everyone’s hand as they left. When one of us kids would come up to him, he would greet us with a stick of Big Red gum. That potent cinnamon gum still makes me think of him all these years later.
I also remember sitting by Brother Taylor’s wife during Sunday morning worship services. I’m sure she was a nice lady, but I wasn’t a fan. Because she made me behave while I was with her during the congregational singing.
Why was I sitting by the preacher’s wife? Well, I’m glad you asked. Dad was a Deacon and had some church leader responsibilities to conduct during the service.** Mom was usually up front. So someone had to watch me. And the preacher’s wife was elected on at least one occasion. I remember Mom either accompanying the music by playing the piano or singing with the choir. I also remember her singing solos and with small ensembles at the subsequent churches we attended.+
Wherever we went, she was a worship leader.
And although I might be biased, I remember her being pretty great at what she did.
So as I stood there and watched Aiden lead a group of children in heartfelt worship, I thought of my Mom. I thought of Aly who serves wherever she’s needed in the Children’s Ministry. It could be rocking babies. It could be leading an Elementary Girls’ small group. Or it could be leading Preschool Big Group Worship Time. She has a big servant’s heart.
She’ll jump in and do whatever is necessary.
Just like my Momma.
What a legacy.
*Not that I’m complaining. A full parking lot is a good problem to have. It’s a problem I would’ve been excited to have when I served as a Preacher.
**I think he collected and counted the offering, but that could be a story I told myself and still believe.
+I wish I had a photo of mom playing the piano at Bethany or singing in one of the ensembles at CFC. But that was before the age of everyone having a phone with them all the time and everywhere.
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Hey Matt! That is such a touching and sweet tribute to your mom. I am trying to be that type of lady for my kids. It’s about legacy right? That’s what we’re trying to do, to leave one that lasts through many generations. How cool that you recognized it so clearly. Bless you!