May 10, 2010
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MOTHERS
What did your mom teach you?

“The mother's heart is the child’s schoolroom.”
Henry Ward Beecher

A special tribute to mothers: Pass it along to a special mother to celebrate this past Mother’s Day. 

The mother of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was noted for her beauty, wisdom and energy.  She obviously had a great influence on the development of her son's leadership abilities. When asked, “What is the great want of the French nation?”  Bonaparte replied, “Mothers!” 

There’s no doubt our mothers play a huge role in our development, shaping our values, our hopes, our dreams, and the way we see the world.  They give and give and give… and rarely receive our full appreciation. I believe good mothers are made, not born. As they love and serve their families day after day, God shapes them and builds tremendous character in them—qualities like humility, selflessness and absolute devotion. The following poem reminds us that there’s nothing quite like a mother’s love.

Before I was a Mom
I made and ate hot meals.
I had unstained clothing.
I had quiet conversations on the phone.
 
Before I was a Mom
I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was Mom I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to lullabies.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom
I had never been puked on...
Pooped on...
Spit on...
Chewed on...
Peed on...
Or pinched by tiny fingers.

Before I was a Mom
I had complete control of my mind
My thoughts...
My body...
And my money.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child
So that doctors could do tests
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
When I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
Could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby
I didn't know the bond between a Mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
Could make me feel so important.
 
Before I was a Mom
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
Every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth...
The joy...
The heartache...
The wonderment...
Or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much
before I was a Mom.
- Author Unknown

Once a year we officially celebrate our moms. For some it’s a wonderful excuse to shower “Mom” with presents, flowers or a special meal.  For some it’s a bitter reminder of disappointments, childhood wounds, or even abandonment. For some it’s a painful reminder of loss. No matter whom I talk to, “Mom” or “Mother” is sure to stir up emotions, though. 

When I think of “Mother”, I think of how hard she worked to care for us.  I remember her kind words and instructions…the way she made everything so special.  She definitely had a servant’s heart.

By sending me to Christian summer youth camps, she made sure that I knew Jesus and raised me to know and understand His ways.  She taught me how to tie my shoes, make my bed, write my name and whistle. She taught me right from wrong, how to be a gentleman, how to put others first, how to help those who cannot help themselves… She taught me generosity, compassion, patience, and endurance. There’s no doubt she had a tremendous effect on who I am.

My mom passed away in 2004 at 84 years of age.  I’m fortunate enough that my wife continues the legacy of being a wonderful mother and grandmother. When was the last time you thanked your mom for all they have done for you?  When was the last time you called your mom just to talk?  When was the last time you let her know how much you care?  We don’t need to wait until Mother’s Day to express our love and appreciation for our moms.  If you can’t tell you own mom, find a mom you can encourage.  It’ll make her day!

The Power of Truth:

“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” Prov. 23:22

“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Eph. 6:2-3

“If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Cor. 13:3-8a

Suggestion for Prayer:

If you were blessed with a wonderful mom, thank God. Ask Him to give you a servant’s heart, loving others with humility, selflessness and absolute devotion.