Mother-wealth by Suria Scholtz
My childhood memories are found between the pages of books – classics of old, dramas untold. I remember flightless hours on magic carpets to join dragons, dwarfs & damsels. Absorbed in biographies, boring over encyclopedias, I met lionhearts and ladies, gathered data and stockpiled trivia – all from the comfort of home.
Lost and found between fiction and fantasy, history and geography, I could not travel enough as a young adult! Across centuries, continents and cultures, I visited art galleries and markets, cities and castles. The lure of the ancient, the excitement of the modern filled my senses, fed my soul and sharpened my resolve to celebrate LIFE.
All of this transpired because my Mother’s love for learning inspired me. Gifted, naturally curious, complex, hard-working and compassionate, she stirred, above all, two interests in my life: a love for books and a love for the world. She filled my childhood memories with museums, libraries, and educational trips to factories and aquariums, movies and plays. Her genuine fascination with the world, made for interesting conversation around the dinner table and naturally taught us to discuss ideas rather than people.
Her premature departure from this life deeply impacted me. I floundered helplessly for a while, before God firmly anchored me in His Word. After all these years I am still ecstatic about my treasure, to be desired more than gold, altogether a flawless pearl! I will gladly trade all my books and all my travels for this one gem, this great prize, this one in a million find – Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh!
As a heavenly Father who searched me thoroughly and have known me intimately – even since before all time, He nodded His approval when He saw the world in my heart. You see, He so greatly loved and dearly prized it Himself, that He even gave up His only begotten and unique Son, so that whoever clings to and trusts in Him can experience a whole and lasting life.** The privilege to be a co-worker with man and God, bringing hope, help and healing to people across multiple seasons and various cultures has birthed purpose and focus to my own life as a mother and grandmother.
This would not have been possible, was it not for the brave women in my family who against all odds, laid a solid foundation, faithfully planting seeds in their young offspring, preparing them for a future they could never have imagined themselves. Therefore, what great joy to celebrate my mother this year!
You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I, you can never be–
I had a Mother who read to me.*
*From “Reading Mother” by S. Gaillilan, pg. 59 – A Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola
