This past Sunday was Mother’s day.  But this wasn’t just your ordinary mother’s day.. it was a day full of exceptional beauty and love.  I wanted to share it with you. 

So all of this came about because Christina (my wife) says to me, “what are we doing for mother’s day” (read: what are you going to do for me for mother’s day?)

I replied, “Nothing, you aren’t my mother.”

“But I’m the mother of your child.”

“Yes. But you aren’t my mother… When Mason is old enough, I will teach him how to truly appreciate all that you do for him.” 

“…. but God has a special place for mothers doesn’t He?”

“yes… of course He does.” 

“well then shouldn’t it be properly celebrated… until Mason is old enough?”

“well, come to think of it, if I’m thinking about the way we celebrate Jesus’ life, death and resurrection… we should celebrate all mothers.. because Jesus was all about sharing His life with all those around him.  Why don’t we then celebrate all of the mothers in Hi-C (our youth group at church) and treat them to a dinner?”

“oh… that would be good… am i a Hi-C mother?”

“not really… you will be serving with me!” 

So that is how the idea came about… so we decided to treat all the mother’s of our students in Hi-C to a home-made meal.  Just as a note, Christina was served as well that evening…I was trying to have our family adopt the attitude that though it may be mother’s day or father’s day or whatnot.. we are appreciative of the fact we have the privilege of being parent’s in the first place… but here are some of the pictures from the beautiful evening. 

Our awesome emcees for the evening: Do Kyung and Martin. 

My beautiful Wife and Mother-in-law. =D =D =D

the Mothers.  We love you! 

It was simply a BEAUTIFUL EVENING. 

The Kitchen crew. 

The menu: Appetizer - Crostini 3 ways: Honey Ricotta Cheese with Rosemary, Roasted garlic and chicken with a balsamic reduction & mushroom and pepper saute with prosciutto and asiago cheese.

Main (pictured below) - creamy basil pesto linguine with grilled corn salad and spicy lime, cliantro and hoison flank steak

Dessert: Homemade brownies with chocolate covered strawberries and vanilla ice cream

(the strawberries)

there was entertainment

it was really entertaining. 

Love you guys! 

Although I was in the kitchen for the entirety of the night, I heard a constant chorus of laughter, music, clapping, YUMS all night long.  What started out as a simple desire to serve the mothers who do so many unseen things and are many times taken for granted, turned into an evening that in many ways sums up what life might be all about. For the first time we came together as a community greater than just the students.  

For the first time I saw the students fully grasp what service was all about.

 For the first time I saw the mothers-normally so poised, stoic, put-together as they work towards building families- let loose and simply enjoy their children and one another.  

Through the gift of hospitality, food, creativity, music, art, service and love… our fellowship hall was transformed-even if only for a brief evening-into what I imagine God’s table might be like.  I might even go as far as to say this is what our world, our churches, our families, our society is missing so much of.  I was again taught that through a willingness to appreciate, serve and love the other, the ones who come out understanding what love is all about… are not the ones who were served.. but indeed the ones who served.  As I addressed the mothers at the end of the night (in KOREAN… GASP!) I told them that what I was seeing was about as beautiful a thing as i could imagine.  I told them this is what life is all about.  We have so much to be thankful for.  We have one another.  I sincerely want to thank all of the mothers for all you do… and as you are precious in the eyes of God, you are precious in our eyes too.  

WE LOVE YOU!