Optimist’s Rountable

By Martha Sykes

Mother Teresa has always been someone who has been an inspiration to me for so many years. I often read her quotes and think about her life of service to God as she helped the poor, the sick, the orphaned, the helpless, the homeless and never wanted recognition. One of my favorite quotes is, “It’s not about how much you do, but it’s about how much love you put into what you do that counts”. Her love for Jesus was admirable.

This week, it will be 27 years since Mother Teresa left her earthly life. My younger sister, Debbie, passed away that very same day and I prayed that the two of them would meet as they entered the gates of Heaven.

Even though I never met this saint, I grieved her death along with my sister’s passing. When we read so much about someone famous and they become a person that makes an impact on our lives, we do grieve, because we feel that loss as if we knew them personally. But we also rejoice for someone like her who was a reflection of Jesus as she lived on earth because our faith tells us that she will live on in eternity.

Memories are a precious gift from God and the ones I have of my sister are what I treasure every day. Mother Teresa also said,“ If you want to change the world, go home and love your family”. Debbie and I shared a special love in our relationship.

Faith , Family and Friends…, do you ever wonder how we would ever get through our tough times without our faith, or our family, and many friends? I often do and every day I am thankful for the seed of faith that was planted in my heart so many years ago.