“The beauty of the house is order
The blessing of the house is contentment
The glory of the house is hospitality
The crown of the house is godliness.”
Even though we had waited to have children so I could be a “stay at home” mom, I often felt less than with my “job”. That is until I began studying scripture. We can always look to God to find our value! That anonymous quote really spoke to me. It reminds me of how our household was run. My mother who was a school teacher when we were in school and home with us during the summer. She is a Proverbs 31 woman! Proverbs 31: 13-31, “...She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple...She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed...a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
I was blessed to have a mother who has been my best friend as long as I can remember. I remember her laying with me at night if I got scared, exercising with her when she was pregnant with my brother, going camping, fun summers, lots of beach days, leading my Girl Scout troop, being my PTA president, traveling together, being my biggest cheerleader, my caregiver when I was sick, my biggest prayer warrior, my confidante, the best “Honey” to my girls, a role model, a godly influence, a listener and so much more! At this time in my life Mother’s day is a joyous time for me but I have many family and friends who are hurting today. Some have wonderful memories of their mom and some have sad memories.
Some of you are with your mother, are a mother or expecting to be a mother. With you we rejoice! As we honor those we love on Mother’s day I want to recognize that the one who influences you as your mother may or may not be blood related. Mother’s day is to honor those women who have encouraged you in your journey. Titus 2: 4, “Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children…” It may be your father who has been both parents for you. There are also women who have become mothers in different ways including fostering, adoption and miscarriage. There are those who have terminated pregnancies and are hurting. There are those who want to be a mother and have not been able to. There are those who are missing their mothers today due to death or a broken relationship. There are those who have lost their children due to death or other circumstances. For those of you hurting, we pray for you. For those grieving, we mourn with you. Romans 12: 15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
No matter what Mother’s day is for you, a joyful celebration that needs to be rejoiced or a sad day that finds you mourning, we can look to God for comfort. Whatever pain we are enduring He gives us comfort. If we have a friend who is hurting today, let’s encourage her. 1 Thessalonians 5: 11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Let’s pray for one another. 1 Timothy 2: 1, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—”
Whoever you have to honor today, we rejoice with you! To my mom and the other moms, happy mother’s day! We honor you for all that your hands have done!