Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Happy Birthday, Mom!

I'd like to wish a wonderful day to the best mother ever.

If you read my blog regularly, you may notice that birthdays happen in my family one right after another this time of year. It's pretty cool to have a way to let the whole world know that it's a special day for one of my family members.

It may be of no importance to you, because you don't know my family personally, but by publicly recognizing and admitting great love for a family member, I'm showing that I'm willing to go against the world's thinking of "family doesn't matter." Lots of young people think it isn't cool to show affection for their family.

I'd like to stand up on a tower and yell "So What?" If you love Christ, you had better love your family too, and real love is showed unashamedly.

So yes, I love to hang out with my siblings.

And yes, I think my parents are smarter than I am.

And yes, I value their instruction.

Yes, I consider how my choices will influence our family as a whole.

Yes, I think it's wonderful to be seen in public with my family members - that includes my parents.

Yes, I think it's great for my friends to know my parents and siblings well.

Yes, I think it's fine to do a wee bit of "good" boasting about my family members.


So, Mom, may you have a wonderful day. May you know that I treasure the gifts you have given me; life, learning, love, laughter, and so much more.

...And may you enjoy the labor of love Curt and I have put together for you, for your birthday. (Sorry, blog readers, it's a secret 'cause we haven't given it to her yet!)

Readers, I know that most of you also love your family unashamedly. I don't mean to yell at you with all this big type. I guess I just wanted to blurt out what I wish I could tell those who don't agree with the thought of "families are a gift from God." Let's find a gentle, loving way to change their minds, shall we?

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday Mrs. Gray! I trust you will have a blessed day. It has been a blessing getting to know Amber both through email and in reading her blog. We look forward to seeing you all at the misisons conference in a few weeks.

Your to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Angie Beckner