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| My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life, -Proverbs 6:20-23 NIV Rarely is she appreciated for what she does. She is often overlooked for her contribution. But her love lasts for a lifetime and her devotion never wanes. She is a Mother. As I looked in the dictionary for a profound description of what a Mother is I was disappointed. It simply said “a female parent”. A mother is so much more. She tends to, raises up, loves fully and provides limitlessly. When I think of a Mother, I visualize a woman holding the Bible in one hand and the hand of a child in the other. Being a Mother myself, the job description changes as the children mature over the years. From diapers to wedding bouquets there is so much of our heart that lies between the two. The Bible says in Psalm 127:3 “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” Completely true. Children are a gift from God. In about a month, our new grandson will make his first appearance to the world. He is truly a gift to our family and I pray that he will be given every opportunity by his parents to know, love and serve God in his lifetime. Proverbs 22:6 says,”Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it”. My own Mother lives today basking in the love of her three daughters. She considers herself blessed. God has allowed her opportunities to walk through valleys during her life and in doing so, she has shown her daughters what it means to be strong. I have had the occasion recently to join my Mother in her bedtime prayers. What a blessing to see the passion and love she has for Jesus when she talks to Him. There is always something a Mother can teach her children at any age. Giving birth to a child doesn’t mean a person automatically possesses the right characteristics of a good Mother. There are many different layers of character that makes a Mother. She is like a rose bud that opens slowly over time as she learns to nurture her family with God’s guiding hand. God takes years to perfect her and she evolves into a radiant rose, a masterpiece with each rose petal representing a learned lesson from her life. It is the woman that shows love, sacrifice and exhibits constant faith and uses her influence wisely that can be called a good, godly Mother. As I write this, I pray that I have had a good influence on my own children. That is a daily thing. Our phone conversations, the words we use, how we handle our own challenges, how we relate to others and so much more. At all ages, our children are watching and learning. Just like I was so tenderly touched to listen to my Mother pray out loud, I realize my own children are taking it all in too, whether consciously or unconsciously. Words and actions take root so we must model good and honorable behavior. On the occasion of this Mother’s Day, if you have a Mother that is alive, it would make her day to let her know you care or contact someone in your circle of love that gives you wisdom and unconditional love and thank them for it. And if you yourself are a Mother, give God thanks that you were chosen for one of the highest jobs in the land. Let us use this Mother’s Day as a chance to recommit to Him and to our families to use our influence in a way that honors God. Happy Mother’s Day. |
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