Mother's Day, 2013

This is a Mothers’ Day devotional without apology and with appreciation for that time honored institution without the benefit of which we wouldn’t be here! Every Mother’s Day message I’ve run across starts with an explanation, and today will be no exception. So, let me remind all of us that we should be merely sentimental about motherhood. First, for some, motherhood is an accident, and not always a welcome one; second, for some, biological motherhood isn’t possible; third, for some, mothers weren’t all that nice; and fourth, for some, motherhood under the very best of circumstances is still less than a bed of roses and a primrose path. Perhaps the poet, Wilhelm Busch said it best: “To become a mother is not so difficult; on the other hand, being a mother is very much so!” So, with all those qualifications, why bother with Mothers’ Day at all? I’ll tell you why. It is because, for all its stumbling blocks, pitfalls and broken dreams, for all the soiled diapers, soiled wallpaper and spoiled plans, we’re talking about a beautiful ideal, a natural part of God’s creative plan to bring love and caring to light. Motherhood is a constant demand for the gift of love and caring. Perhaps the best example for all of us is found in the mother of Jesus. After the angel came to Mary and told her of how she would bear the child to become the Messiah she did not question the faithfulness of God. She did question how she could have a child since she was a virgin, but she did not question the power of God or his will. Notice what Luke writes: And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:34-38 ESV). Here is a word for all of us. When God desires us to complete a task for him, he will also make the way possible for it to be done. So, for all who are moms and dads, take heart today. As God has given you such a wonderful responsibility in your children, he has also given you the power to accomplish his will in their lives. Seek him and all of his resource. He will be enough! I know that’s easier said (or in this case, written), but it is the truth. I read the following prayer from an unknown source recently. Perhaps it will inspire you as it did me: Dear Lord, thank you for this child that I call mine; not my possession but my sacred charge. Teach me patience and humility so that the best I know may flow in its being. Let me always remember, parental love is my natural instinct but my child's love must ever be deserved and earned; that for love I must give love, that for understanding I must give understanding, That for respect, I must give respect; that as I was the giver of life, so must I be the giver always. Help me to share my child with life and not to clutch at it for my own sake. Give courage to do my share to make this world a better place for all children and my own.