Shoba's Corner: A Life Well Lived
March 7th marks the death anniversary of my dear mother Renuka Susikaran. Amma’s life was simple, loving, joyful and precious. I learnt many nuggets from Amma, but the most valuable lessons were those I learnt from her life itself- the way she lived her everyday ordinary life. We lost her to cancer 2 years after I entered motherhood, but I had a towering example to emulate. She was the best mother one could have!
MAKING GOD A PRIORITY
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Impress them to your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk on the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”-Deuteronomy 5: 5-7
I saw my mother do this consistently. A quick prayer before we rushed off to school and University reminded us that as we walked into the world we had God with us. When we shared with Amma about a difficult subject at school, a hard to deal with situation or about a decision, she made sure to pray about it and remind us that God was in control. Family prayer was a must in spite of exams, long work days and sickness. When we were teenagers we came down at 9.30 for our prayer time together. Sometimes Sudhan and I would get into fits of laughter because the tune of the hymns was unfamiliar and only Appa got it right. But my parents did not give up on this routine. For me it was the best time of the day which made me feel loved, comforted and protected.
During the day I saw mother pour herself into the Bible and commentaries at the dining table. She enjoyed the mid week Bible study so much and shared her take-aways with us. After her death, her notes from those lessons have encouraged and uplifted me.
DOING THE VERY BEST YOU CAN
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”-Colossians 3:23
Let me tell you of the many times I saw my mother live out this verse.
She arranged fresh flowers in vases around the house. They were always from our garden, simple and elegant. The house was always comfortable, beautiful and simple.
When we struggled with a particular subject/ lesson. She would write it out, studying it herself and teaching us the same using simple words and making it fun too.
She planned meals which were tasty and nutritious. Her recipe books were always updated with new recipes and kitchen tricks. Our lunch boxes were packed with lots of love thrown in.
If we were given a project at school or when we signed up for a competition. Mum made sure we did our best. She worked with us and made it fun. It didn't matter to her if we won or lost or if we topped the class. She helped us see life as a joyful experience.
During my days at home, mother made sure I learnt many life skills and fun things as well. She would hunt for the right tutor and make sure that I used my time well. Voice training, painting, vegetarian cooking and bag making and cake decorating were a few of the lessons I enjoyed.
When I was engaged to be married, she started teaching me lots of easy dishes and meticulously filled in my recipe book. When she knew we were expecting our little one, Amma designed my maternity clothes and brought home lots of books on parenting, from where she worked as librarian.
We enjoyed singing (and sometimes dancing) together in the kitchen. Amma sang in parts with ease and we performed in a couple of family functions.
Above all she loved my father well. As Appa called out her name ‘Renu’ she would run to his side. She cooked his favorites and did all she could to give him a loving, happy home to come home to.
The words from this song say it best
Be faithful in the little steps
The small and the familiar
You are part of something bigger, something wonderful!
Of the part you play you are often unawares.
Here the song here: Little Steps
Being a mother can be so beautiful and magical, at times it can sap you of all energy and leave you overwhelmed and tired.
Remember this:
1. Make God a priority
2. Do your best, as to God.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shoba Ranjitsingh is an architect, writer, a proud mother and an absolutely thrilled grandma to little Nivin. Shoba enjoys studying the Bible and her role as STL at Bible Study Fellowship in Auckland in NZ for 6 years has enabled her to now write and lead Women's Bible Studies. Helping women study and enjoy God's Word as they embrace everyday ordinary life is her prayer as a writer. Long walks, cakes, hymns, books, quiet family evenings, chatting with family across oceans describe Shoba. In this phase of life, Ranjit and Shoba enjoy feeding the birds, smelling the roses, pursuing their hobbies and being grateful for all that God has called them to do. Shoba works as a Learning Support in a Primary School in Auckland and everything simple, honest and true bring her joy!