December 08


Giving It Her All


She … put in all that she had.

Mark 12:44


I sat in the cold, black easy chair and looked around. The silver Samsung TV sat unusually quiet on its wooden stand as photos of faraway places stared back at me from the wall. The heater finally kicked on and the house groaned. It was just past 8 a.m. and I was sitting in my parent’s empty cottage. Empty, because we had moved them out the night before.

Mom and Dad are in assisted living now, and I have to say, it was a bit overdue. Dad is ninety, has Parkinson’s and is a handful. As I think about it, he has always been a demanding person and, for over 60 years, my mother met those demands. She has shown love like few people I know.

This morning, both Dad and Mom are being cared for. No doubt there is relief for my wonderful mother, but there is something else.

As I sit here, I think of Jesus watching the poor widow put her last two mites into the Temple collection box. He noticed her sacrifice. Jesus indicated she gave more than all the rest … she gave all that she had.

I see the similarity. To many, my mother may seem a small and humble person, but what a giver! I can only imagine the glory to be hers in heaven. I close my eyes in the hushed room, and I can see her wearing a crown and in the end towering over so many of us, because … she gave all she had. She gave until there was nothing left to give.

I relax, settle back into the easy chair, and further reflect on a life well lived.


Father, thank you for loving mothers and wives, and for Your children who minister so long and so well. May You bless their hearts with Your deepest joy and perfect rest. Amen.