Thanks Mom!

This weekend is a special day we have set aside to celebrate that special woman in our lives, our mom!  Several years ago I ran across a poem by a woman named Marcie Zitz that really typifies who moms are to many of us. The poem goes like this:

A Tribute To Moms

Moms are special people!

Moms get up in the middle of the night to scare off monsters.

Moms get up in the middle of the night to tend to a sick child.

Moms may want something for themselves, but they always put their children's needs first.

Moms give unconditional love even when their children mess up. (A special thanks to my mom for this one!)

Moms take their children here, there, and everywhere even when they would rather take a long bubble bath.

Moms have amazing patience even when their four-year-old whines all day.

Moms get excited over a special gift of a dandelion.

Moms take care of everyone when they are sick, even if the Mom is sick herself.

Moms have a way of making a child feel better even if the whole world seems to be against them.

As I read this I remembered the many times that my mom sacrificed her needs for mine, put aside her desires for mine, and even gave up her personal time to make sure everything in my world was right.  This typical example of a mother’s behavior is best exemplified in the last chapter of Proverbs which has come to be known as the description of the Virtuous Woman or of Noble Character.  While as men we look at this chapter and see a description of what a woman should be to her family, too often women look at it and see a description of what they perceive they are not or where they are lacking.  However, when I think of my mom and the mother of my children I see so many traits explained or detailed in this great chapter.  While mom’s often see their weaknesses I trust we always see their strengths.  While moms tend to downplay their sacrifices, I pray we never miss the opportunity to offer thanks and praise to them.  While moms often would rather us not make a great fuss over them, we would be remiss in speaking of their great accolades.  To this let me quote the writer of Proverbs by saying, “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”  (Pr. 31:29) 

Make sure you express to your mother, and if applicable, the mother of your children your love (agape) and appreciation for all they have done, continue to do, and shall do.  Moms, we love you and thank you.

Pastor Ric