Mother's Day

1st I would like to wish any Mother's that happen to stumble upon this humble blog a belated Happy Mother's Day! As a husband and father I have seen 1st hand what it takes to be a mother. While I was growing up I saw what it took for a single mother as well. God has indeed bestowed upon women in general, and mothers in particular, an extra portion of grace and skill sets. I do not say that to try and "push off" any responsibilities or to provide an excuse for laziness. I am just consistantly amazed at all that mothers do. May God grant each of you continued peace and grace as you continue your in your role as mother to those whom He has entrusted you. May each little one bring you a special joy and may they grow up calling you blessed. Yesterday, as expected, my church had a special Mother's Day service. One part included a reference to the book I Will Love You Forever. (I hate this book because it makes me cry.) Well, the reference brought back several memories of the things my mother did for me. She fought to get custody after the divorce. She would put my brother and I on a bus from the local church every Sunday so we could attend Sunday school. She sought out a "nanny" if you will to take care of us during the week (we would go to stay with them) while she worked two or three jobs to make ends meet. She always tried to make sure we had the clothes that we needed. She made sure I had my glasses updates almost every year. She would buy us things like a computer when they became somewhat affordable (A Commodore 64 in my case). She flew down for my graduation from basic training. One year when she was having a hard time finding a place to live she had us stay with some cousins in Athens, WV where we spent the summer. My childhood was no picnic, but I saw evidences of how much my mother loved and tried her best to care for me. She was no saint, nor a very good mother (IMO), but she did try, and she did love me "more than tongue can tell". But I would not trade it for anything. God used my mother to bring people into her life, into my life, that were believers and had an influence upon me. From the "nanny" mentioned above, her putting me on that bus to go to Sunday school, getting us involved in a youth outreach from a local baptist church, familes of men she would date that took their Christianity seriously, to my cousins in WV. Each in their own way was used by God - both intentionally by my mother, and unintentionally as God would interviene. In the end I believe she found the Savior, but I will not know for sure this side of the "pearly gates". She too had a hard life, and as I said she may have not done the best job. But she was my mother, and she still exhibited the God given evidences of grace that are shown through being a mother. I miss her deeply, and wish I could call her to wish her a happy Mother's Day. Verse for today: Proverbs 31:26-31, esv She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.