Hey friends, how are you today? It is a dark, dreary, depressing, dull day in my neck of the woods. Heavy, grey clouds have completely blanketed the skies.  Galoshes are a necessary footwear today.  The rain, which started yesterday, has not stopped.    My backyard friends have all sought shelter.  But guess what? The leaves on the trees are bigger and greener than they were yesterday. Even without seeing it, life continues to flourish and bloom.  Our God uses the rain and the sunshine to nurture life. It’s a beautiful day in my neighborhood.  What’s the weather in your neck of the woods?

It’s Mothers’ Day on Sunday.  One of the most special days of the year.  The next special day of the year is my birthday and guess what? It’s a collision!  The celebration of both events on the same day is a blessing from the Lord.   

Neither one of us would be here today without a mother in the picture.   But mothers are not necessarily the ones who give birth to a child.  A mother nurtures and cares for her children.  She provides support and guidance to her charges.  She protects and loves, at the expense of her life, at times.  She is the primary educator.  She learns to adjust to life on the go.  But most importantly, a mother is a role model.  

Because she is a role model, she needs to be grounded in the Word of God.  Because her kids are her ministry, she spends time at the feet of Jesus.  Because she understands children are souls in need of a Savior, she nurtures first, her relationship with the Lord.  She depends on the Lord for wisdom in the daily art of mothering.  

Who then is a mother?

MINDFUL – She has to be mindful of the developing characteristics of those in her charge.  Some are positive and good, she therefore nurtures and encourages these traits.  But there are some that are detrimental and in need of discipline. She needs a Mighty and Merciful God to clear her vision.  She needs wisdom so that nurturing does not encourage vanity, not her discipline hardens the heart.

OBSERVANT – a mother observes her kids.  She anticipates most of their needs, because she ‘sees’ them.  She knows when they are sick, when they just need a cuddle. But she understands she can’t be everywhere, all the time.  She counts on the Omnipresent God.  She knows that safety is in His Hands.  She trusts Him with her heart.

TEACHER – she is aware that she is the primary instructor in her child’s life.  She cooks and cleans and listens to the stories, while giving instructions in a thousand different ways.  She repeats herself again and again, even as she hears “I know mom”.  In spite of her desire to be the best mom, she knows mistakes will be made.  She needs her True and Trustworthy God to guide her path.

HELPFUL – She ties laces and packs lunch bags.  She listens to talks about ‘that’ boy or girl. She gives advice, also known as rules or laws.   She knows she has the tendency to control.  She has the need to hold on too tightly, which may be a cause of contention. She runs to her Helper.  The One who sees her flaws.  He graciously forgives and offers new opportunities to be better.  

ENCOURAGER – She is aware that life throws curve balls.  Most of these trials are unexpected.  Although her inclination is to protect, she encourages her charges to seek the Lord.  She encourages them to ‘be’ their best and ‘do’ their best.  But she knows that at times, friends can become a distraction. She has need of El Shaddai.  Her All-Sufficient God.  He is enough, He gives enough. 

RELIABLE – She has to be reliable.  She learns to not make promises, she cannot keep.   She will never hear the end of it.  Every other conversation begins with “Remember mom…”. She is there for early school dismissal and doctor’s appointments.  She tries her best to complete the motherly tasks.  There are days, when life becomes overwhelming. And her role as a mother suffers.  She leans on Her Rock, her Refuge.  She finds safety in His Arms.  Her rest is in His presence.  

STRONG – gifts from the Lord come with various character traits.  Some are strong willed and the battle with them are constant.  Some are clingier and easily hurt and getting them out the door is a different kind of battle.  She finds wisdom and guidance in the Words of her Savior. In spite of her busyness, she makes time for Jesus. 

We have been called to impart knowledge of the Word of God. To teach obedience to the Word. To instill trust and faith in the Lord to our children.

Let us, mothers, unconditionally and unwaveringly love, carefully and gently discipline, wisely and economically provide.  

What word would you use to describe a mother? Use a letter in the word ‘mother’ to describe her. 

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