I am a little behind on my “annual” post. Scratch that, I am WAY behind. It’s not that I haven’t wanted to, or that I
haven’t had a few good ideas for blog posts here and there. The combination of time and words just never
seemed to come.
But, I have been stewing over a topic for the past few days,
and even though it seems somewhat random, I still feel compelled to write about
it. For the past couple of days,
“inspirational people” have been on my mind; maybe it’s the lull between Nelson
Mandela’s passing and the Olympics that’s gotten to me. Usually, people who
inspire you fall into two categories: the people you know very well (mom, dad,
best friend, etc) or they are people that you’ve never met (e.g. Mother
Theresa).
However, a person that inspires me is very much in between
those two categories. She’s fits into the category of people who were once much
closer, but, with the passing of time and life, the relationship has steered
more into acquaintanceship (or Facebook friendship as we sometimes like to call
it today). You see, when I was a young
(i.e. annoying) intern on Capitol Hill, I worked for a fabulous Senator. And, I
worked with some amazing women to boot. One of them was named Suzanne. And this
is the story of how Suzanne inspired and continues to inspire me. I apologize
in advance, Suzanne, if you are reading this and didn’t want it written.
I am not sure I have met anyone in my life that so
wholeheartedly trusts God to direct her path in life. One of the first memories I have of Suzanne
is learning how much she wanted children (and how passionate she was about
children and education in general). Without going into too much detail, as I am
sure the facts are now blurry in my mom-brain (and I don’t know how much others
like information to be divulged), Suzanne couldn’t bear children of her own.
However, I know that she was praying for her children before I met her.
Fast forward a number of years I care not to admit, and she
has two outstandingly beautiful children.
And, although she did not to get to be with these children for the first
years’ of their lives, I know for a fact that she prayed for them before they
were born. And she flew half way around the world to bring them home. I think
how the incredible peace of mind that her children must (hopefully!) have. What
would their mom not do for them?!
However, motherhood isn’t the only thing that inspires me
about Suzanne. She has conquered dietary
restrictions like a contestant on iron-chef. She was not only an incredible
aide on the Hill, but still champions for the rights and lives of children on
her blog (and guest spots on other blogs).
And it’s been so incredible to see (from far away—via blog
and Facebook updates) where God has taken her.
So, here’s to Suzanne, and her incredible journey of prayer and
faithfulness. I strive to be more like
you. And, I don’t think people like you get recognized often enough.
