Devotional 10-14-11

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. -- Romans 12:15-18
As I write this, a beautiful purple aster is is full bloom in my front yard. It's huge, as big as a bush! It was given to me some years ago by my "surrogate mother-in-law," Jenny Lou Linsenmeyer. My mother-in-law passed away in 1994 and Jenny Lou, my sister-in-law Charlene's mother, moved in to fill the void. She never announced that she was going to be my surrogate mother-in-law, but she started taking a special interest in me. At family gatherings she would make a point of talking to me--really talking to me, not just the usual, how are you? She would ask, how's it going with your job, how are your parents, what books are you reading, what are your grandchildren up to, did you catch the sale at Elder-Beerman. My birthday is the day after one of Charlene's son's, so we generally were together for his celebration. Jenny Lou started bringing me a birthday gift on those occasions. When she discovered I enjoyed gardening as did she, she would give me a plant from her own yard. Thus, the aster, that started out in a small pot and is now as big as a bush. My yard is full of coral bells and other perennials I've forgotten the names of which started in Jenny Lou's yard.

My own mother was only 37 when she lost her mother. Over the years I watched her be a surrogate daughter to many older ladies at church. For years she was the youngest woman in her circle and I always felt she was honoring her mother by attending to the needs of "her ladies." Like so many relationships, her efforts to help them were rewarded by their love and devotion to her.

Today, many families are scattered all over the country. Someone who lives in West Virginia but has parents in another time-zone may appreciate some motherly advice from one close at hand or a father-figure to talk with. Could you play the part of a surrogate? Is there someone whose life would be brightened by a surrogate son/daughter, sister/brother, mother/father, grandmother/grandfather.

Jenny Lou Linsenmeyer passed away last Thanksgiving, but her gifts are still bringing beauty to my life. I thank God that she chose to be my surrogate mother-in-law.

Anita Gardner Farrell