This was originally an email I sent out on Mother’s Day morning. People seemed to like it, so I’ve posted it here.
“When I look around to see if you are standing next to me, just be there.”
Those are the words my mother sang the night of my High School graduation, singing about heaven and her desire to see me make it.
It’s been almost two decades since that night, and those words still haunt me.
Just Be There
They keep me going, especially in the times I want to give up.
You see, my mom knew that if I could just make it to heaven, no matter what the cost, it would be worth it.
After 10,000 years in heaven, the struggle of this life will be a forgotten memory. Something we vaguely recollect, but can’t quite remember the details. All the sacrifices we make, or tough times we go through will be over.
Just be there.
It’s a simple statement, but it carries a lot of meaning.
Kind of like, when it’s critical that someone be at a certain place at a certain time, but they make all kinds of excuses as to why they may not be able to make it. But if it’s a life or death situation, we can’t worry about the excuses. Right?
How many times have you said that to someone? “Just, be there!”
Nike is famous for “just do it.” The statement is famous because it removes all excuses.
It makes it simple.
With one song, my mom let go of her parental control over me and allowed me to swim in the deep end of life.
She knew I would do things that would scare her to death. That I would make choices that would make her cringe. And I imagine she spent a lot of sleepless nights wondering if I had lost my mind.
But, no matter what mistakes I made or what this life threw at me – even after crying buckets of tears – those lyrics make me get back up, dust myself off, and keep pushing toward that prize.
How many countless times have mothers done exactly that for their children? Little things we take for granted, but when the going gets rough, what Momma taught us keeps us going.
This is why we celebrate Mother’s Day today.
It comes just one day a year, and mothers deserve so much more, but today is their day.
Today is when we stop with our busy lives and tell them how thankful we are for their sacrifices, their teachings, and their belief in us.
If you’re thinking about coming to church today, but aren’t quite sure if you can make it – You’ve got a couple hours…
Just be there! Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Best,
Ryan Scott
Pastor
