It’s been 2 weeks since my mother passed away. Two weeks of remembering this amazing and precious lady. Two weeks of tears and rejoicing. But mostly, two weeks of realizing anew the blessing that has been mine to call Mary McGarvey, “Mother.”
I have a quote in the front of my Bible from Oswald Chambers that says, “It is ingrained in us that we have to do exceptional things for God – but we do not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things of life, and holy on the ordinary streets, among ordinary people…”
Those words sum up my mother’s life. Her life was lived mostly on the ordinary streets among ordinary people – 7 very ordinary children included. But she lived that life in a quiet demonstration of the reality of the God she loved and served. She didn’t write a book, seldom did public speaking, never sought the limelight, but she, in her consistent walk with God, had great impact on many, many lives.
Towards the end, Mother’s speech became limited. Her clearest communication was when she prayed. We would catch frequent phrases about service, love, and she would often just repeat, “Wonderful, wonderful!” There was a part of her that wasn’t touched by dementia – a part of her that was still in vibrant communication with the God she loved and still bore testimony of that to those around her.
Mother’s funeral was triumphant. I don’t think I’ve ever used that word to describe a funeral before, but it’s the right word. Mother had chosen Scriptures to be read and hymns to be sung and so we honored her wishes to exalt God as we celebrated her life. There were 72 of her 75 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in attendance. Those lives alone are a tribute to the heritage of this godly woman.
The closing hymn, “Be Thou Exalted,” was chosen by my mother and expressed the deep desire of her heart. She never knew how wonderfully God honored that desire as she live a holy life on ordinary streets among ordinary people. And that is extraordinary!
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Lovely tribute to the most Godly woman I have ever known! I count it such a privilege to have had her a part of my life for the last 45+ years…and feel so blessed to have been able to attend her service which was, indeed, triumphant!! Still praying for all of you who were blessed to call her “Mother.”
She was a wonderful lady. I count it an honor to have known her and your dad. We use to stop to see them in Elizabethtown when we went for our family reunion, but they always were at camp. Oh well I will see them in Heaven.
Thank you, Janice. I know they would have loved seeing you. What a wonderful reunion we’ll all have someday!
Thank you, Sylvia. Thank you again for making the trip. I know it wasn’t an easy one for you which makes it even more special that you made the effort.
Mom and I , especially me (Betty), wanted to talk with you after church. You traveled quickly after service today. Thank you for your message and sharing John 17:23. Your message will continue to be special to me. Finding your blog was the only way I could leave a message for you. When I see you in Church, I will ask for your phone number. Sometimes a text will be better. Thank you for today.
Betty: I’m so sorry I missed you. I”m thankful that God used His Word to encourage your heart. I’ll be in touch as soon as we get home.