Happy Mother’s Day! A mother’s job description is immense and it’s not 9-5, in fact, a mother’s job may require her to answer an urgent call in the middle of the night or in the wee hours of the morning. In many homes, a mother is the primary caregiver for the children, caring for physical needs, feeding, giving baths, washing clothes, buying groceries, praying for the children, singing and reading to them, taking them to school activities, church activities and friend’s houses. Without everything a mother does, a family couldn’t operate.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if a Mom was paid for everything they did around the home? They’d be worth more than any of us gets paid. We often take what mothers do for granted. Perhaps if we thought about the value of what they do we’d thank and encourage them more. Children ought to thank and encourage their mothers. NIV Ephesians 6:2-3 “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.” We ought to honor our mothers because it is the right thing to do and God will bless us for it according to this promise.
One Mom had two children aged 4 and 6. They wanted to do something special for their mother for Mother’s Day so they went out and bought her a house plant using their own money. They gave it to their Mom and she was thrilled. But the 6-year old seemed somewhat sad and Mom asked her why. She explained, “We saw a bouquet in the flower shop we wanted to give you. It was real pretty but too expensive. It had a nice ribbon on it that said “Rest in Peace.” We thought it would be just perfect, since you are always asking for a little peace so you can rest.” Mom replied “That’s OK, I think I like the house plant better anyway.” Even if the children didn’t have everything figured out just right, they did a good job at encouraging their Mom.
Raising children is a job, a ministry, of great significance. The demands on mothers and families are greater than ever these days. Sometimes being a mother may seem impossible, so much to do, little time. Moms need encouragement to keep going.
To hear more about this topic, listen to my May 8, 2005 message entitled God’s Encouragement For Mothers