A grace note by Ann Floyd
Thirty-four years ago today I became a mother. In 27 days, my youngest
of three will walk the aisle on her wedding day.
What a trip motherhood has been.
The road started in a youth pastorate in Texas, where our son,
Steven, was born. The road then led to Illinois, where my husband,
David, became administrator of a children’s home. Daughter
Stefanie was born there. After several years the Floyd family of
four packed our belongings and drove to Hillcrest Children’s
Home in Hot Springs, Ark., where we ministered for eight years.
Our third child, Stacie, was born there.
When the children were school age, the Floyd Five hit the road
for Springfield, Mo. What had been ideal for me as a mother —
serving in children’s homes — changed. I desired to continue
to use my God-given abilities to extend His kingdom.
Offers came to reenter the workplace; so, reluctantly, I got on
that road. I’ll work for two years, I thought.
Two years have become 22 years.
Have I survived?
We’ve had "accidents" along the road. There were
Steven’s two bouts with brain cancer and then his death at
21. I survived my brain tumor scare five years ago. We’ve had
surgeries. And then there were the usual bumpy roads of childhood
illnesses and traumas in their relationships.
How have the children fared?
My greatest joy is to see the children assume servant roles. Steven
was on a missions assignment in Belgium when he had to return home
for his second surgery. Seven weeks after his wedding, he passed
away. Stefanie is employed at Global University of the Assemblies
of God in Springfield. Stacie is a high school teacher at Evangel
Christian Academy in Shreveport, La. All have filled or are now
filling positions in their local churches.
Some moms have to work outside the home; some have a choice. Stefanie
tells moms: "Don’t let your children view [your working]
as a negative. The time you spend with them is the important thing
— not the time you are away."
Stacie adds: "Share with your children what you do and explain
to them why you are working. Kids appreciate honesty."
Moms — stay-at-homes and those in the workplace — I salute
you this Mother’s Day. Either way your task is formidable,
but it is doable. Remember that Jesus said, "My grace is sufficient
for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians
12:9, NIV).
Enjoy the ride … under His power.
Ann Floyd is an associate editor of the
Pentecostal Evangel.
