Her Mother's Heart

Happy Mother's Day, Lois! - Proverbs 31 Mama

"If you see a ripe strawberry, eat it!"

While working in my garden, I spied the ripe, red, juicy strawberries.  Although they looked tempting and delicious, I kept right on working.....but her words, "If you see a ripe strawberry, eat it," kept reverberating through my head.  With that sentiment came a cacophony of sweet thoughts, memories and images, and I realized that her simple statement had touched me deeply.  Feeling inspired, I took a break from trimming and went inside to sit a spell at the computer.  I knew that the words in my head could be crafted into a special blessing from the Lord for Lois.

Lois' middle school garden and the path to her art room.

"If you see a ripe strawberry, 
eat it!".....were words Lois had spoken to her middle-school students, encouraging them to partake of the produce from the little garden she had planted outside her art classroom.  Shrubs, flowers, strawberries and even a lemon tree, are lovingly enjoyed and tended to by Lois in this mini version of the beautiful garden that Lois keeps at home.  This little piece of paradise is just one of the creative ways that Lois has sown seeds of love.....blessing others with the beauty of the garden, spurred by her gratitude for the goodness of God.

Middle school theme banner - designed and created each year by Lois.

Lois, as you can see, is creative to the core.  Wherever she goes and in whatever she does, beauty, life and creativity overflow as a sweet fragrance.  Generous with her talents, she has lavished the work of her hands and the cream of her crops on many a family member, friend or neighbor.  Her decorating skills have graced many an event, be it a party, a wedding, or a school or church function.  Her artistic skills are as varied as painting, pottery, sewing, calligraphy, gardening and flower arranging.

Along with her fearless creativity, I've always been impressed and inspired by Lois' youthful and adventurous spirit.  No lazy bones in her body!  Whether learning a new language or a new computer skill, whether walking around a garden nursery with a vanilla latte or shopping for something fresh from a farmer's market, whether traveling abroad or getting lost and following her nose to find what she can find, Lois is always discovering something fun, delicious or lovely. 

Lois with her mom en route to college.....at Four Corners.

From what I've been told, Lois has inherited her mother's green thumb and her mother's heart.  Much of who Lois is today, is founded on the wonderful experiences of her childhood.  Biblical values, practical skills and knowledge, kindness, helpfulness and generosity, along with a nose for adventure were character qualities instilled in Lois by her father and mother.

This year marks Lois' 25th year of teaching art at the Christian school where she works.  I think this Mother's Day is a perfect time to pay tribute to the beautiful nurturing heart that Lois displays.....the heart that so resembles her mother's heart.  

Her mother would be blessed.

See my son's dish from Lois' ceramics class?

PS.  Oh, and remember those ripe, red strawberries I spied in my garden?  I ate them for breakfast while working on this article.  Sliced on waffles with melted chocolate chips, butter, and just a dusting of powdered sugar.....they were delicious!  

My happy surprise in photographing this moment in my morning was noticing that there on my desk sat a ceramic dish.....a piece made years ago by my son in Lois' ceramics class!  I still love it and use it for holding coasters.  

Thanks for blessing me, Lois!