The process of becoming a mother has changed my heart. It has made me sentimental and appreciative. You truly don’t realize all your own mother was put through for you, until perhaps you’re going through it yourself. Being pregnant is not easy. It is exciting and special, but not easy. Childbirth is a whole beast of its own. I don’t know if there is anything more sacrificial than childbirth besides death. The process of nursing and caring for a newborn infant is from what I’ve heard the greatest dying-to-self process most parents will go through. And then there’s always the potty training, life-skills teaching, raising of children for the rest of your lives … What a sacrificial, loving choice.
It’s no wonder God uses the analogy of the strength of a mother’s love when He’s reminding Israel of his unfailing faithfulness toward them in Isaiah 49:15-16,
Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.
It honestly did not occur to me that my own mom went through all she did for me until now. The reality of her selfless choices on my behalf makes my heart swell with gratitude, and I realize on a whole new level how deeply she’s always loved me.
It’s so easy to grow up completely focused on ourselves and our own lives. After all, most of us only know a life where our parents are completely focused on us and our wellbeing. When this is the case, which it is for most children in privileged America, we lose sight of how truly special, amazing and due of honor our parents, specifically our mothers are. I simply wanted to take some time to remind us of the importance of showing honor and being appreciative of where we came from.
Throughout the Bible there is much mention of the necessity of honor. God’s people are mandated to honor others and see the immense value each person carries. Take time to specifically think of ways your mother has sacrificed for you, seen and unseen. Whether you were old enough to remember it or not, you are likely potty trained, well-fed and able to converse with other humans. That’s a big deal!
Whether you are proud of where you came from or not, it has made you who you are today. I know for me it is exceedingly easy compared to some because I was raised by a legacy of strong, remarkable, compassionate women. But even I haven’t taken enough time in my days to thank not only God but those women. They need to know how grateful I truly am.
Moms (and women who’ve acted as moms to so many), we love you! You are beautiful, strong and inspiring! I’m sorry we don’t say it enough. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do!
“Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” –Matthew 19:19
“Outdo one another in showing honor.” –Romans 12:10
“A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.” –Proverbs 15:20
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” –Philippians 2:3
“Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father… I am the Lord your God.” –Leviticus 19:3
“Forsake not your mother's teaching.” –Proverbs 1:8
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” –Proverbs 31:28
