Haha. it's 11.25 pm. I have 10 days before my thesis is due. I've been fairly productive, and I REALLY praise God for his continual sustenance. This is really the hand of God. I usually take 2-3 days to finish 1000 words or so. I've been able to type incessantly and edit incessantly, pumping out about 1000 or more a day. Thank you to all who are praying for me. Please don't stop. HAHA. it's not over yet. Everything will be over on the 14th of Nov. I COVET your prayers, even short 10 second ones.
I'm taking a short mental break from writing about THE TRANSITION OF WORSHIP MUSIC OVER THE PAST 40 YEARS.
I'm here to honour my Momma.
I've spent some time in the past praising my dear Papa, who is one of the best Dads I know. I don't know how many people can boast of a father who is both a financial provider, a natural leader, as well as a spiritual leader of the household and of many.
But this post is of Mom. I owe much of my life's opportunities to her. Mom's a short petite woman. Not quite five feet. Nice-looking. Young looking. [She is mistaken for being my sister quite often]. Mom's an English teacher. She quit work for 11 years to look after the kids. But she went back to the work force 2 years ago, because all of us [4 sisters] are older now. She came from a poor background, but worked hard to do well and get into university, which was a tremendous feat back in her day.
Her commitment to training me started since my birth. She attempted breast-feeding to keep me healthy as a baby [though i contracted jaundice and she had to stop]. She taught me the ENTIRE alphabet when I was 18 months old. THAT's a feat. She read stories to me since I was two, and then helped me a cultivate a habit of reading that has helped me learn SO MUCH up till now. I read so much faster than many people I know, and it really helps with research. I LOVE reading, so it helps with gaining lots of spiritual and natural knowledge. Reading has fueled my love for writing stories and writing songs. My mom's early guidance was also what led me to win the English prize in all five years I was in high school.
Mom sent me for basic music lessons before I turned 4. When I was 6, mom sent me for classical piano lessons. When I turned 11, she sent me for violin lessons. I had 4 vocal lessons when I was 17. When I turned 18, she sent me to Australia for my university degree in music.
I was sent for ballet from 6 - 16. I was sent for music camps, leadership camps, and Christian camps. I was given a year's opportunity to learn art and painting. [Unfortunately I was never good at it].
Mom had longed for these opportunities when she was growing up. she made sure everyone of her daughters had the opportunity to be as educated as holistically as possible. Academics were not the only focus[though we also had some tuition occasionally to help us in our weak subjects]. She sent me for sports, and was my cheerleader in every volleyball season I played in for the school and state competitions.
My mother was always committed to seeing us through everything we took on. She was also careful to ask us how we felt about each undertaking to make sure we were not burdened by them.
We've had our share of clashes. Mom and I are quite different in personality. She's a Sang-Phleg. In general, she's quite laid - back and not always punctual. She chats a lot and has a great sense of humour. She's quite resourceful and can mend clothes, make clothes, basically able to do a wide range of things to some extent. She plays a little piano and guitar, and worship leads in church occasionally, as well as being a Sunday school teacher. She's better at art than all of her daughters, and is able to bake and cook well. Now, she has stepped up to lead the teenagers in our church.[it's a tough job]
I guess I'm more like my Dad. Although I am also a Sanguine who chats and laughs a lot[also used to be disorganized and forgetful], I inherited my Melancholic side from Dad. Driven, perfectionist, sensitive, easily hurt by words, affirming, specialised and emotional. Mom is sometimes impatient with this side of me. She can't bear brooding or wallowing in any gloominess. She also can't understand my panicking and negative predictions before big events like exams and competitions. I was a strong-willed child, but Mom rarely gave me what I wanted when I was younger. [Now of course it's different]
I've also had my normal mom-child clashes about messy rooms, not doing chores on time etc. And been annoyed at the nagging side of Mom. I guess she's also been hurt when she felt that I betrayed her trust in certain things, especially in my teenage years.
I'm glad God has healed our relationship to a great extent since my teens. I love spending time with Mom now. She spoils me whenever I come home by cooking all my favourite foods. I got my love of cooking and baking from mommy dearest. We go shopping and chat for HOURS into the night. There's no one I'd rather hang out with than Mom when I'm back home. She shares so many insights about the Bible and people it's really refreshing.
Love you Mom.Thank God for all you've been to me, and all you are now.
Comments