REVerie - Someone Has A Special Birthday

My Mother-in-Law – Margie Nicholson

Jan and I are heading to Michigan to celebrate her Mom’s 80th Birthday!   Margie was born on February 2, 1928.  This coming Saturday, we will help her celebrate 80 years on the planet!  I’ve blogged about her several times in the past.  She’s such a special lady.  There’s so much I could write about her, but since I will be seeing her soon, I better be careful! 

I’d like to blog on the actual day of her birthday – 2/2, but I’m not sure about my Internet access.  Just in case I don’t have access, I thought I’d get a head start on both congratulating her and thanking God for her.  I’ve known her for 38 of her 80 years. (I met Jan in 1970.)  She’s been a wonderful warm person who always made me feel welcome, from the very first time I was in her home back in Jackson, Michigan. 

Using her first name as an acronym, I want to paint a thumbnail sketch of her for you.  This is a very brief peak into the life of this amazing woman.

M – Musical

Margie is one of those uniquely gifted people who is blessed with perfect pitch and uncanny musical ability.  To hear her play a piano is to wonder, “Did God make the piano for people, or certain people for the piano?”  Her playing took my breath away the first time I heard it, and it still does.  She passed this musical ability along to all three of her daughters.

A – Attractive

The beauty of a woman is both inner and outer.  Some women have one or the other, but Margie is a rare combination of both.  She’s taken very good care of herself.  She dresses with class.  She is neat and orderly – I love that, of course.  Margie is the kind of person people can’t ignore.  Her inner beauty and outer beauty combine to make her winsome and attractive to everyone who meets her.

R – Relational

Speaking of “meeting people,” Margie talks to everyone!  She’s gregarious and outgoing.  If you look up the word “extrovert” in the dictionary, yes, her photo is there.  She is friendly, interested in people, and a great conversationalist.  The two of us have had some great talks through the years.  Margie has hundreds of friends, and I know that they all regard her as a close friend!  She has that special ability to make a person feel like they are the only one in the room when they are speaking with her.  One more thing – you never have to say, “Talk, Margie!”

G – Goofy

I admit that I was looking for a word to go with “G” - but on the other hand, could I tell you some very funny stories about my dear mother-in-law being goofy!  She has an amazing sense of humor and she can make you laugh in a heartbeat.  Speaking of “heartbeats,” some of you recall that a couple of years ago, she had a heart attack.  It was a serious time for the whole family.  But guess who made us laugh while she was lying in the hospital recovering from the surgery?  Wish I could tell you some of the things she said, but I value my relationship with her too much to take that risk.   Trust me, she was hilarious!

I – Intelligent

I’ve watched Margie tackle so many projects through the years – business and financial, organizational, physical, technological, and spiritual.  One thing I’ve observed time after time, she is one “smart cookie!”  Seriously.  She’s got a great mind and a powerful ability to put things into motion.  She’s handled so much through the years - and always with precision and efficiency.  The kind of things she’s accomplished takes significant brain power – she’s succeeded again and again.  Watching her gain a grasp on the computer and cell phone are two examples of her willingness to keep learning.

E – Evangelistic

I have had the honor of not only knowing Margie, but also, knowing her mother.  Grandma Smith was an amazing spiritual force.  Margie picked up many of those same traits.  She has a strong walk with the Lord.  She evidences a passionate interest in church, the Bible, Christian music, summer Bible conferences, and all things spiritual.  It’s not unusual for me to receive the notes from the sermon “the week before” in occasional letters from her.  She and my father-in-law have been very active in church (served 25 years as Music/Choir Directors in a Michigan church), the Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference, and a seniors’ ministry in Florida called, The Breakfast Club.  Margie is NOT “ashamed of the Gospel.”  As you can imagine, we heartily agree on that point!

Can you tell?  I love my Mother-in-law, and I’m very proud of her on this happy occasion.  Jan and I are thrilled to be able to spend some time with her on her birthday.  The years become more precious with the passing of time. 

80 years is a remarkable milestone!  Congratulations, Margie.

 

 

 

Comments

[Anna Thorne]

Wow, that is amazing, to be celebrating your 80th birthday and still be so vibrant! Congratulations to her, and hope you and Ms. Jan have a safe trip to Michigan and back! Enjoy the bit of a vacation!

[Sandy]

Mr. & Mrs. Rev,
Have a wonderful time celebrating Margie's 80 years. We gave my mom a BIG 80th birthday party in July of 2006. People came from all over the state...what a tribute it was to her life. My sis, bro, and I shared that day what mom means to each of us...there was laughter and tears.
BTW, I love your new posted picture!! :-)

[Pam M.]

Pastor Bill,

What a wonderful tribute to your mother in law! I'm sure she will cherish these written words and thoughts from you for the rest of her life. What a neat lady!