So Worth It

As a young bride, I came across some wise counsel that has served me well through the years. Essentially, it was this: it’s often hard to do important things, but it’s worth it. It’s a hassle to get the house and kids ready for a sitter to go on a date night with my husband; but it’s worth it. It requires a lot of effort to arrange a personal retreat; but it’s worth it. It requires sacrifice to serve others in time of need, but it’s worth it.

Sometimes though, when I consider the work involved to bless my husband or a family member in a particular way, I back away from good intentions. Or, I get an enthusiastic start only to abandon my plan to bless a friend when I confront challenges or hurdles I didn’t anticipate.  But when I look back at times in my life when I have persevered, it has been oh so worth it!

This past weekend was one of those times: my four siblings and I got together in Tallahassee, FL to surprise my 85 year old mom for Mother’s Day. No, it wasn’t exactly easy. I had to pack and prepare to leave my husband and son behind. Two of my siblings and I drove fourteen hours to get there. On Mother’s Day we traveled another three hours to take her to the place she and my dad honeymooned 63 years ago. Then we drove fourteen hours home, and I’ve spent a week trying to catch up on all my responsibilities.

But to see how much it blessed my mom? It was absolutely, most definitely worth it!