Our son Jake was the first baby at Mars Hill, born one month after the church officially launched in October 1996. He and I have both grown immensely over the past 16-plus years, and I love that he still isn’t too old to call me “Daddy.” Parenting is both rewarding and revealing. My kids reflect back to me my own character strengths and flaws. Jake, of course has flaws (many of them mine), but at the same time, he is loving and loyal to family, friends, and neighbors. Just like me he cares for his mother (and my wife), Jen, dearly.
Below, Jake writes about what he appreciates most about her—and it’s not small stuff.
Fun, forgiving, and faithful
My mom means the world to me. My entire life, she’s been patient, loving, and gracious towards my siblings and me. My mom is one of the most influential people in my life and the woman I respect the most. To this day I enjoy spending time with her (at home and in public), laughing with her, and learning from her. My mom has brought me closer to God, helped me in my relationship with Jesus, and spent her time continually working with me through the Bible and my spiritual walk. Three words that come to mind when I think of my mom are fun, forgiving, and faithful.
My mom is always fun
As a homeschooling mother of three kids with a flexible schedule, she always found a way to surprise us with privileges, treats, and outings. Some school days we took a break to walk to 7-Eleven for a treat, to drive and play at the beach, or to watch movies and eat popcorn.
In addition, my mom is always intentional about making memories. On Valentine’s Day, for example, she bakes a heart-shaped pizza, sets up a hunt throughout the entire house, and always has fun rewards at the end (always hidden in the bathtub). In December on the days leading up to Christmas, my parents plan a special event or activity every day, trying to make the end of the year memorable and the birth of Jesus exciting.
My mom is always forgiving
My mom is gracious as she seeks to build my character. For example, years ago, when my little brother and I would get in fights, my mom would send us to the stairs. After patiently and calmly talking the problems through with us, she would have us hug and yell out our brother chant. It paraphrased a quote from A Bug’s Life: “We are the grasshoppers, where’s our food?” Instead, my mom had us shout, “We are the Smidt brothers, where’s our food!?” My mom put paramount importance on building relationships and repairing them in fragile times with forgiveness. Today, I’m best friends with my brother. By doing so, I grew closer to my mom as well, and wanted to spend time with her and my family.
My mom is faithful
A few months ago, I took a trip down to California for a week without my parents. When I opened my suitcase, I found a little notebook from my mom. Inside, I found special notes and verses from her for me for each day of the week. The entry that stuck out the most to me contained James 4:6: “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” My mom has always sought to instill in me humility and an appreciation for God’s grace through everything, and for that I’m eternally grateful and will always remember.
Mirroring her, mirroring Jesus
My mom continues to work with me to build my character and love for God. The older I get, the more complex life gets, but my mom always wants to know what’s going on and how she can pray for me. As I grow older, there are qualities about my mom I’m able to distinguish. I’d say she desires to keep her home open for people and her heart open for the Holy Spirit. If there’s anything I want to learn from my mom, it’s how to care for people and love Jesus. I want to mirror my mom and her heart for people and love for Christ.
I’ll always fondly remember and cherish the years of my life when I lived with my parents. This is the day our society has specially set apart to honor moms everywhere; however, every day for the rest of my life I will appreciate, love, and give thanks for who my mom is and all she has taught me. I wouldn’t be the young man I am today, be the son I am today, or live the way I do today without her.
To my wonderful and lovely mom, Jen, today I dedicate to you Ephesians 1. I give thanks for you daily, and I love you forever.
Your son,
Jake
