The Tireless Service of Mothers

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, Sunday, May 12^th. Mother’s Day is a time to honor and celebrate, or fondly remember, our mothers and their sacrificial service and love offered freely to us. We may have special memories of our mother’s care and attention when we were sick or injured or in special birthdays and holidays, but there are countless more acts of service that have gone unnoticed that have faded in our memories over time: the hundreds of changed diapers, washed bottles, sleepless nights, washed clothes, prepared meals, worked hours, chauffeured miles, prayers, read stories and numerous words of correction, encouragement, comfort and wisdom. 

Many mother’s worry they were not the ideal or perfect mother presently or while raising their children. One mother aptly said it this way, "I'd like to be the ideal mother, but I'm too busy raising my kids."- Unknown  Mother’s Day is not about perfection, never making a mistake, or being “Mrs. Cleaver” (a very old TV reference). Mothers make a difference by their unselfishness, fight to the death commitment and protection over their children, their unwavering love and support, and their tireless service.

If we have found wisdom, success, and blessings in life we owe in large part to our mother’s influence upon us as the following individuals have stated.

“I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life."- Abraham Lincoln

"My mother never gave up on me. I messed up in school so much they were sending me home, but my mother sent me right back."- Denzel Washington

"My mother said to me, "If you become a soldier you'll be a general; if you become a monk you'll end up as the pope." Instead, I became a painter and wound up as Picasso."- Pablo Picasso

“Men are what their mothers made them.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

You may not be President of the United States, a famous actor or artist, but your character, health, education, and spiritual maturity is due to how much you listened to the wisdom of your mother. Proverbs 1:8-9 sums it up well “…and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.” We can all say “Thanks Mom!”

So, for this Mother’s Day make sure to let her know how much you appreciate the forgotten service she lovingly gave to you from your very first breath to the present. Father’s lead your children of all ages in showing love and appreciation to their mother, your wife, for as she has served and continues to serve your children, she serves you as well.