Thankful for Family

Well, I talked to my dad on the phone this morning and he mentioned enjoying the last few posts, so I felt obligated to make one about family now. No, just joking. I totally intended to mention family next.(:
Mark and I have both felt indescribably blessed by our families lately, namely our parents. I think anytime you're starting out living on your own without them- getting married, having kids, being broke, etc. it's crucial to have the support of your parents, and we most certainly have. Each one of them offers something different and vital to us.
My dad is the source I turn to for all advice. He does not offer it out of turn, but listens and waits for me to ask for his opinion on things. He is wise in all of the things Mark and I are facing for the first time- finances, real estate decisions, career decisions, parenting, etc. He's not the type to jump in and offer money as a quick solution or to even say "here's what you have to do", but simply lends his perspective and encourages us to do the right thing and to grow by doing it on our own, to the best of our ability. Even as a teenager, I appreciated this about him. I got frustrated sometimes that I didn't get a flood of handouts (he'd probably disagree), but was encouraged to work at an early age and earn some of the things I wanted. I don't know how many times I called him in college bursting with tears and desperation, letting him know I had another overdraft fee on my checking account. He persevered through those times with me and I think I eventually got A LITTLE better with those things. I like that I can share any struggle with him and know that it will just fall on a listening and caring ear; that he will not just be searching for the first chance to put in his two cents or throw in a life preserver. Yet, I know that he will be there if we ever desperately need it, too. Most importantly, I know that my dad is a man of God who has determined to study the Word diligently his whole life. That tells me that whatever he has to say is seasoned with the truest kind of wisdom.
Mark's dad is one of the most tender hearted people, always looking to spend his time and energy on others wherever he can. He is disciplined in every area of his life that I've observed- his finances, his schedule, his family life, his spiritual life, his exercise, etc. All of his years and years of hard work have paid off and it goes to show us how making wise decisions can and does make a difference in the future. Tom's not the touchy-feely type, but his love for his family couldn't be more apparent. He has demonstrated how to lead a family with devotion, maturity, leadership and "sticktoitiveness". When we face a dilemna, (which seems to happen a lot these days), I know that Mark feels absolutely comfortable turning to his dad for advice and help, and really, so do I. I've never known anyone to be as generous as Mark's parents with their time, assistance, money, etc. He's also been an incredible grandpa to Ben. Tom keeps us laughing and is always super comforting to be around. I am so grateful to have that kind of a person nearby.
My mom means the world to me. She is so much like me and so different at the same time. From my chidhood until today, she has shown a lot of selflessness. She sewed my clothing, my dolls, my curtains. She cooked three homemade meals a day everyday along with desserts. She taught us what passionate love for God looks like and demonstrated it in her prayer life and through modeling consistent Bible study. She is still a prayer warrior until today, often insisting I stay on the line when I am grouchy or crying while she prays over me and my situation. She has faced a lot of difficulty in her life and has come through all of it stronger and still clinging to Christ. She raised four kids, each one a special challenge, and did so without favoritism or wavering. From her I learn the concepts of gentleness, hard work, contentment, persistence, and true love for God. I couldn't ask for a more wonderful mom, and at this age, a more faithful friend.
Mark's mom has been incredible. When I admire my husband's character, I can't help but trace it all back to his parents. As a mom myself now, I hope to instill something similar in my sons. I know that Mark and Brent greatly respect their mom, never speak negatively to or about her, and look up to her in many ways. After getting to know her better, I can fully understand why. She is a tireless person, never sitting down, never really even sleeping. But, she doesn't squander her time. She works busilly helping others and staying deeply involved with her sons and now, their families. She is an incredible grandma who has been readily available each and every time we've needed her. She adores Ben and Shiloh and bends over backwards to make their lives better. She has given and given and given to us in so many areas of our lives, never really expecting anything in return. That is a quality I hope rubs off on me one day because it's such a blessing. From the day I met her, I felt welcomed and cared for. She opened her home to us for months and treated my like a daughter, even when she saw my ugliest sides.

When I think of all the people who don't have their parents anymore or who never knew them to start with, I can't help but be so thankful for the incredible relationships we've had with ours. It's something that we cherish every day.