Let’s give thanks for all of the mothers and grandmothers out there.
This Sunday is Mother’s Day. It’s a day where American consumerism runs wild. We are encouraged to take our mothers everywhere from a nice brunch to a spa. Some commercials even suggest that if we really loved our mom, we would buy her jewelry.
I love that a day is set aside to honor mothers. I don’t like that it’s just a reason to go and buy stuff. I suspect that most mothers would love to have a day spent with their children and grandchildren. (That’s older mamas;Â younger ones, with itty-bitties at home, would probably give anything for a day off!) I also hold close to my heart and keep in my prayers, those women who have lost children and anyone who has lost their mother. It can be a tough day for those people.
I feel like the hearts of all mothers are close to God’s heart. We see over and over in the Bible how God blessed women with children that they desperately wanted. From Sarah, to Hannah, to young Mary, mamas in the Bible, like mamas today, saw their children as a blessing.
I am always moved to tears when Jesus, who was dying on the cross, asked John to take care of Mary. He clearly loved His mother.
I am also amazed and comforted by the fact that God finds ways to provide for those women who have lost children. Naomi lost both of her sons, yet her daughter-in-law Ruth, refused to leave her. She stayed with her and became her daughter. After listening to her wise advice, she married Boaz, Naomi’s relative, and Naomi got grandchildren after all.
God always finds ways to bless those who love, obey and trust Him, in often, unexpected ways.
Consequently, Ruth became the great, great, great, great grandmother of Jesus. Yes, ladies, our influence on the young women around us, matters.
Most of us who have lived a little while know that mothers and grandmothers don’t necessarily have to be related by blood. There are countless people who would be happy to share their personal stories of women stepping into the role of grandmother or mother and influencing and changing their lives. I have a several I could name who were surrogate grandmothers for me.
Paul tells young Timothy in, 2 Timothy 1:5, “I am reminded of your sincere faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.”
Does the faith of mamas and grandmamas influence their children and grandchildren? Absolutely. It could probably be argued that one of the greatest contributions we could make to the world today, is raising kind, honest, hardworking human beings, who love Jesus.
So, let’s take Sunday and say a special prayer. Let’s give thanks for our own mothers and grandmothers whether they are still with us or waiting for us in Heaven. Let’s pray for comfort and healing for those who are mourning.
Let’s also remember that we all have the ability to mother and mentor a lost child of God that may be hurting. Let’s pray that He will give us wisdom to see those who might need a dose of our faith. As long as we are living, we can keep on mothering. It’s one of those professions that time makes us better and better at.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂