God Be With You

Written by Deb Wolterstorff, Director of Children & Family Ministry
 
When I was growing up, my mom would say these words to my brothers, my sister and I as we headed out the door to go to school. I never knew how much it meant to me until one day she didn’t say them to me. I was a junior in high school, and we had had an argument before I left for school. I had stormed out the door. When I got to school, I couldn’t focus and kept replaying the argument in my head, as well as the fact that I did not hear those words, “God be with you”. The argument was stupid (I don’t even know what it was about) and I was feeling bad. I ended up going to the office and used the phone to call mom (back in those days it was a dial phone) and apologize. Both of us were in tears. We both apologized, said that we love each other and then she said those words, “God be with you”.
 
My mom is strong in her faith, full of life, love and laughter - laughter that at times she just could not stop. She’s my teacher and comforter. She loved to read, play games and go shopping. She was silly (reminded me a lot of Lucille Ball). She “feels” deeply, and has much empathy for others. There is so much more I could say about what my mom has meant to me. Today, my mom is tiny and frail looking. She has had a lot of health issues and at times she is confused. There are many things that I miss doing with her. But here is what I know…when she looks at me, I know she loves me. She is happy. She still has her laughter-which she still cannot stop at times and it is contagious. She cares deeply for all of us kids and grandkids and LOVES to just be with us as much as she can. She is a fighter, she keeps coming back to us after a health issue. I am blessed to have her for my mom and count each day a blessing that she is still here with us.
 
Today, we celebrate moms….and the amazing people God has made them to be. Some of us are celebrate being a mom and the amazing blessing that is. This might be a hard day for those who have lost their moms, for those that have dreamt about being a mom and having that dream not become a reality and for those whose mom was never really there for them. A mom could also look very different to each of us. It could be a grandma, a sister, an aunt, a godmother, a friend’s mom, etc. Where ever we find ourselves, take some time today to celebrate that special someone in your life that you call mom.
 
As we navigate through this time of uncertainty together, and learn to celebrate moms and other life happenings in a different way – I leave you with these words, God be with you.
 
I’m excited to share with you what Christ the King (CtK) is planning this summer for kids. Because we cannot safely gather in person, the week-long June Vacation Bible School (VBS) has been transformed. CtK will be hosting a VBS Zoom time together each Tuesday and Thursday morning for 30 minutes throughout the summer beginning on Tuesday, June 16.  The overall theme of VBS is about dwelling in our homes. I’m working on a catchy title to match the new VBS format. On Tuesdays, we will introduce the story and share some music.  Possible story ideas include Noah’s Ark, Jonah and the Whale and the man who built his home on sand and rock. On Thursdays, we will feature fun activities that deepen our understanding of the story. Stay tuned for more information about registration. And, if you’re interested in volunteering, please let me know. We need story-tellers, creative folks to teach a craft, scientists to help with science projects and fun people who love to play and lead games.
 
Blessings to you all,
 
Deb