I once read a book by C.S. Lewis entitled A Grief Observed where essentially he journaled the process of grieving the loss of his dear wife, Joy. His words moved me deeply. Even the theme of the book moved me; to commit to writing through a “process” alone taught me much.

Sometimes we don’t even realize that we are in the midst of a process; of observance. Yet, nonetheless, I find myself observing a past, observing a legacy…

Observing the secrecy that is my mother.

One could call my mother a wallflower. Her delight is in blending in not standing out. How I misunderstood this in my youth. How I wish that I had the insight then to “know” my mother. It’s only now that I am catching a glimpse of my mother’s secrecy…and the blessing that goes with it.

The gifts of my mother are “secret” gifts. They are private gifts. They are the gifts that few see. And they are the gifts that matter. She’s a giver and she’s a pray-er. I sit now this morning pondering just how many times the heavens opened up at the sound of her hidden prayers. I think of the impact not seen in this world by her communion with God; by her intercession, by her pleas, by her praise.

The prayers of a mother are profound. The prayers of MY mother mean something. And yours too. Blessed are the mothers of this world who in secret join the angels in giving glory to God; who in secret give glory to their children in a way that only a mother can.

This morning, I posted some quotes on motherhood to share on this special Mother’s Day but I left out the one that stands out the most for me; a quote by my mother that speaks to my soul consistently:

Don’t rob my blessing.

In her secrecy, she gives. I can hear her now: If you got it, give it. Often she would find hidden ways to give but on those occasions when she wasn’t giving in secret, her response to “I can’t accept this.” or “You really shouldn’t.” or “You can’t afford to do this.” has always been:

Don’t rob my blessing.

She knows the power of giving. She knows. It’s the living legacy that she leaves to me.

So, today I embark on A Secrecy Observed as I give tribute to my mother, the wallflower.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.