Memories are funny things. They can be very vivid about events and people many years after the events or people are gone. They can start to fade almost immediately. They can be blocked due to some unpleasantness they recall. Many times, though, even if memories cannot be recalled of specific people or occasions, they may still be present, in how those things have helped shape our lives, and the warm feelings that go with us throughout our lives of such, even though the details may not be as clear.
The memories we have of our mothers, whether they are still being made, or have been completed, are part of who we are. This is true because of the nurturing aspect that goes with motherhood. One can understand how a special bond exists between a mother and her children, having carried them within her, and caring for them all her life, even beyond the time when they can see to their own physical needs. A child will suffer when such characteristics are missing from a mother, when being a mother is nothing more than a biological function, not an attitude of mind and heart as well.
There is something wonderful watching a mother hold a newborn child. There is something that touches your heart knowing how many times she has spent the night without sleep to see to her children who were sick. It is a source of joy to see a mother feed her children, to play with them, rock them to sleep and even cry with them when their worlds are not right. These and many more qualities are part of God’s plan for families, for such love to be shown to children in this way, as a complement to how a father loves and provides for them.
Christian mothers love their children, not just so they can have a good life here and now, but so they can know of God’s love and have eternity instilled in their hearts. How many spiritual songs have children heard sung by, and sung with, their mothers, prayers said and heard and Scriptures taught and applied? Before children can ever remember a sermon preached in the pulpit, there are countless lessons they have learned at home with their mothers, and praise God this is so.
Such mothers are worthy of praise and honor. Like the worthy woman of Proverbs 31, her children should rise up and call her blessed, and her husband also should praise her (31:28). This coming Mother’s Day, and every day, take time to let her know how special she is to you. For those of us whose mothers have gone on, we can thank God for sending us someone special and remember the lessons of their lives. Every day, we all should live faithfully in Christ, so that the fellowship of this life will not be broken in eternity.
For every mom who reads this, who is doing her best to be her best, thank you. Our society cannot exist without you. Our homes would not be a haven of hope without you. The Lord’s church would be minus many members without you. Your love, care, patience, instruction and hope are so desperately needed. You honor God and put Him first by being a godly mother. Know how much you are needed, loved and respected, not just today, but always. You will always be a part of who we are, in our hearts, our lives, our memories. “Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice” (Proverbs 23:25).
