To all mothers out there, Happy Mother’s Day!

Today, I give thanks especially for my mom, my mother-in-law, and my grandmothers.

I have been blessed especially because of my mom, but because of all of these wonderful women. They continue to be my cheerleaders- loving and supporting me, and when needed, challenging me. They always know though (and most importantly I believe) how to love and show love not only to me, but to all they meet in their own special and meaningful ways.

Mom, you continue to teach me to have my eyes opened to see other possibilities, and to challenge me to live life gratefully and abundantly. Your sense of call and service in the world, helped me and continues to help me to follow and discern my vocations and senses of ministry. Your love of all, and especially your kids and Dad, has always been obvious, but it has also been what I try daily to live into and to love Allison and others like you love all. Thank you! Thank you for your love, and for all that you do, have done, and continue to do! Happy Mother’s Day Mom, I love you!

Mom Parks, you continue to help me grow in an understanding of the mystery and creativity that exists in the world all around. Your love and openness to ideas and experiences, and the way you have always loved and supported my better half inspire me, and help shape me in the way I grow, live, and love. Thank you for your love, and for the way you have always welcomed me as your son and part of the family. Happy Mother’s Day!

To my grandmas- thank you for being you! Thank you for always letting me talk and genuinely being curious about what I think and am feeling! To Grandma T., thanks for teaching me how to say “flower” long ago, and about loving and welcoming people, no matter who they are along with Grandpa. To Grandma S., thanks for the love of Jazz and baseball. Who would I be without these passions? Our conversations about all things baseball and theological always make my day!

To my other newer Grandmas, thank you for welcoming me into your family and loving me as your own grandson. Thank you for your love of Allison and us together, and for refusing to give into the temptation about asking about when Allison and I might be parents some day. I am sure that’s difficult, but the fact that you love us just the way we are, you are amazing!

To all my aunts, thank you for all of your gifts, passions, and love! And thank you for being there- near and far, loving me and supporting me every step along the way.

Without the love and support of others, in my case- moms, grandmas, etc., I would not be who I am, and you probably would not be who you are. So, because of this, let me say to all of you who are mothers, may be mothers in the future, or who may not technically be mothers (or never be mothers) but love others like a mother loves, Happy Mother’s Day!