The Hero Mom

Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY

One of the hundreds of gazebos along the trails 

She sat peacefully in a wooden gazebo by the water’s edge, half facing the water, head swiveled backward  keeping a watchful eye on her howling daughter standing on the rocks behind her about 10 feet away.

At Mohonk Mountain House, the breathtaking scenic vistas, rock climbs, miles of hiking trails, crystal clear mountain-top lake, can be best described as serene.

At least it was until the silence was broken by the little girl’s screaming tantrum.  

“M . O . M . M . Y...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” The rest was unintelligible and unrelenting. Tears streaming, arms outstretched, begging Mommy to come and carry her to the gazebo.

And Mommy sat, not moving. But, gently repeating the same few words, over and over again. “You can do it. Just take one step at a time.”

It would have been so much easier to pick up her daughter, to comfort her, to coddle her, than to remain steadfast in the face of such despair. She could have worried what passersby thought of her, letting her daughter cry on like that. But she demonstrated a resolve to help her daughter overcome fear. One step at a time.

I wanted to go over to her and encourage Mommy and tell her what a great mom she was.  She probably didn’t feel like a great mom then. But I kept on walking. I rationalized that it would have spoiled the moment, but I still regret it. Maybe she’ll read this.

Highly Favored

Today's post comes from my friend Barbara Higby over at The Hope Perspective. Her great insight into Mary's encounter with Gabriel moved me deeply and makes me want to be more like Mary.  

"Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Luke 1:28

Mary had plans. She was engaged to be married to an honorable man. Likely, her expectations were to be a faithful wife, a good Jewish mother, and a prudent housewife as a Jehovah worshiping Hebrew woman. Her expectations would be fulfilled, but not as she anticipated. A surprise visit from the angel Gabriel drastically changed the dimension of her dreams. They were no longer confined to the home of a carpenter in Nazareth but took on world shaking significance. 

Gabriel presented Mary with the astonishing news that she would be a virgin mother—a mother of God. How could she wrap her mind around such a thought? The child’s conception would be unnatural, miraculous, inexplicable—an immaculate conception. Mary would never be the same; the world would never be the same. The significance of this prediction would change history. She had but one thing asked of her. The only request the angel made was, “Do not be afraid.”

How could this young girl not fear pregnancy? How could she explain a conception that did not take her virginity? How could she marry when pregnant? How could anyone, Joseph included, believe the truth?

But Mary heeded Gabriel's words. She set aside her fears and ten verses later we see this highly favored young woman respond as a humble servant. “I am the Lord’s servant…. May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38).

Lord, Director of history, Ruler of earth, omniscient Father, loving Master, Your plan is always greater, bigger, more complex, farther reaching than we can imagine. Help us to internalize that truth so that we will not fear but, in every situation, say with Mary, “I am the Lord’s servant…. May it be to me as you have said.”

Finishing Well

Many thanks to all for your prayers and good wishes for AJ. He finished well!  He experienced some knee and hamstring issues about 3/4 through, but pressed on. 


He finished in 3:22:19.62 (8 minutes ahead of his goal time) qualifying him for the Boston Marathon. He placed #114 out of 1856 runners and in the top ten of runners age 20 -24 (he's 20). 


Here's some pics (thanks to Lauren, Anita, and Phi Sigma Kappa):

bright and early - start of a great day

before the race - mental prep

crossing the mile 4 & 8 bridge

"AJ's running a marathon, yet still takes great pictures" Dave M.

"gonna fly now" (Eye of the Tiger - Rocky theme)

greeting his Phi Sig brothers at mile 11

approaching mile 23 hydration station (leading the 2nd pack)

mile 23 - recharged!! 

heading home!

"cue Chariots of Fire music here" Lauren

roommate James running the last mile with him

FINISH LINE!!! 

"Run in such a way as to get the prize

...to get a crown that will last forever."

1 Cor. 9:24-25

I'm so proud of this boy. He sure isn't perfect that I know. I don't want to be  one of those blind "can you top this" moms. But he accomplished what few do. 

And it wasn't just completing the marathon. 

He had over 30 supporters there - family, school friends, church friends. These wonderful people to whom I am most grateful sacrificed time and money to be there at the crack of dawn and lend their support to this zany kid ("he's the happiest runner" Dave M). I know others wanted to be there, but supported him in other ways. Why? One of his fraternity brothers summed it up in a text "AJ's always there for us. Let's be there for him."  

We reap what we sow (Gal. 6:8). Sunday's victory was not gained on that day. It was the months of preparation that allowed him to go the distance. And the support that he received was because of his daily investment in the lives of others, over months and years of relationship.

"whoever sows generously will also reap generously." 2 Cor. 9:6

http://www.razoo.com/story/Ajpanzica

You Could Be...

I'm ba-ack! Did you miss me? I've missed you. It's been 3 weeks since my last post. There's been lots going on, but to be honest, I've mostly been distracted and unfocused. 12 half-written drafts are patiently waiting to be finished. I've been doing a bit of other writing, and it's just a smorgasbord life right now. No main entree or focus, just a smattering of this and that.

Then I found an amazing poem my son scrawled last night. At least someone in the Panzica household is writing!

You could be the smartest

and cure cancer with your brain.

You could be the fastest

and stay dry in the midst of rain.

You could be the nicest

and wholly act in utmost care.

You could be the strongest

even without Samson hair.

You could be a prophet

and relay the words of God.

You could be most righteous

and move mountains near and far.

You could be the richest

able to purchase anything,

but all these greats

without God's love

make a a great nothing.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. ... Love never fails.