Friday, March 15, 2019

More Blessed to Give


Acts 20:35
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

There was only one thing my MIL, Mimi, loved after her God and her family, and that was a steaming hot, fresh cup of coffee.  As she often awakened hours before we would, it was my practice and my joy to prepare her brew for the morning.  The photo above depicts her favorite mug and beloved brand of coffee.  It was such an honor to save Mimi the stressful steps of reaching and fetching in order to savor the warmth and comfort coffee can provide.

I cannot now brew a pot without visiting fond memories of Mimi.  Memories that I share with you now . . .


For over a year
Each evening
I set up coffee pot
Filtered water
Measured grind
Only push the button
To realize
Morning's glory
Rich and aromatic
Wakening
Sleepy soul
Refreshing weary spirit
Routine easy
Motive caring
Until there was no longer
A pot, a filter
Water drawn
To meet a loved one's need
Still . . .
I add the water
Place the filter
Ready for the call
Tomorrow brings
In memory
Rejoicing, come to table
For what is was
For what it is
For what will ever be

Amen

30 comments:

  1. Praying for you all as you remember your beloved Mother-in-law.

    God bless you all always, Martha.

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    1. Thank you for your prayers, Victor. They are so appreciated!
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  2. "It is more blessed to give than to receive"
    --Words to live by.
    Cherish the memories!

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    1. Yes, definitely words to live by, and memories of Mimi will always be cherished ones.
      Love and blessings!

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  3. I love this so much, Martha. What a beautiful tribute and memory. I love also that you served your Mother in law with such love and respect for her comfort and needs. I know my MIL was much the same way...she really looked forward to that first cup of coffee in the morning, and it was a delightful ritual each day for us when she was with us. Thank you for sharing this. We often don't realize what a depth of meaning there is in these little routines of the day until the loved one is no longer there to receive this gift. You sharing this with us is a gift today...a reminder that the little things do mean a lot. Thank you.

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    1. Thank you, Pamela, for your sweet words here today, and for sharing that memory about your MIL, too. So much meaning does come from the otherwise mundane routines when we attach such to a loved one. This poem definitely came from the heart, as I'm sure you can tell in the writing. Thankful that God gave me these words to say.
      Love and blessings!

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  4. Martha, Beautiful! I'm sure Mimi was blessed by your kindness. And we are all blessed by your lovely tribute.

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words here, Beckie. They are truly treasured.
      Love and blessings!

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  5. I can sure empathize with Mimi's appreciation of her first cup of deliciousness! Your preparation - a sacrament, almost - is a beautiful thing.

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    1. "A sacrament almost . . ." What a lovely and touching sentiment, Mevely! Yes, I'm a coffee lover, too, and it always makes my morning.
      Love and blessings!

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  6. Wonderful and honoring poem, sister. What a blessing you still have in the memory of your mother in law.

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    1. Thanks so much, Floyd! It is a memory I will always treasure, believe me.
      Love and blessings!

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  7. Every time you write about Mimi, every memory you share of her, keeps her alive. Her presence is real in your writing, Martha. Beautifully done.

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    1. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Debra, for your kind words here. As I'm so familiar with your amazing writing, getting this affirmation from you means the world to me.
      And yes, Mimi will always be alive and treasured in our hearts.
      Love and blessings!

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  8. Oh, Martha, this is a beautiful tribute to Mimi. She was blessed to have you and Danny to be able to care for her; likewise you and Danny were blessed too. Your example is one for others to follow.

    Love and blessings!

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    1. Kim, I truly do hope that our situation can provide an example for others who are in the same boat when it comes to aging parents. The blessings absolutely go both ways. Although it was difficult at times, I would never trade this past year for anything!
      Love and blessings!

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  9. Oh, sweet friend! This so touching. I SO understand this kind of pain. God bless you and hold you close.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words here, Cheryl, they mean a lot!
      Love and blessings!

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  10. Martha, I understand that kind of pain. My WK was diagnosed with lung cancer just yesterday, and my heart is breaking. This beautiful poem of yours made me cry. Thank you for sharing your sweet heart with us.

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    1. Nells, I'm so sorry to hear the sad news about your loved one. Will keep WK in prayer, and you, too.
      Love and blessings!

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  11. amen and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

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    1. Thanks so much, Jean, as the prayers are greatly appreciated.
      Love and blessings!

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  12. Replies
    1. Yes, it is, David, but to give, and not expect to receive, is where God's glory is found.
      Love and blessings!

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  13. Beautiful! She was a blessed to have you serve her and I know you were blessed also. What a sweet memory.
    Blessings, My Friend!

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    Replies
    1. Yes, Loralu, those blessings certainly did go both ways.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete

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