Lessons From Mother’s Day

Core Scripture: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” (Proverbs 31:25-26, 28)

Message: The world needs more godly women. We can certainly learn a lesson or two from them, and with Mother’s Day on the horizon this weekend, why not celebrate the fairer sex? They most certainly deserve it.

I think first of my wife. Lord, do I need her in my life! She provides the tough love my boys need when they miss the mark. Hebrews 12:11 says, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” It takes a bold woman to live this out.

I am known to be more of a softy. Raising teenage boys is a wild ride, and there are times when they push the attitude. My wife always lovingly sets them straight. Without her tough love, our family would suffer. Lesson number one … don’t be afraid to show tough love. Your kids need it, and although they might hate you now, they will get it later. When they become parents themselves.

I think of my mom. There was no person who celebrated her kids like my mom. She was involved in my life like none other. All through my life she supported me. Den Mom in Cub Scouts. Touchdown Club president for my football team in high school. And of course, the Delta Upsilon Mom’s Club President in college. She came to all my games, celebrated my victories, and loved on me during my losses.

I remember weeping bitterly after my last high school golf tournament at State. After putting together a decent round, back-to-back triple bogeys rocked me on the back 9. I shot an 86 that day. No words were said by my mom when she hugged me. She just embraced me, feeling every bit of my pain, living out Romans 12:15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Lesson number two … be there.

Finally, I think of my beloved grandmother. My Memaw. I never saw that woman without a smile on her face. She glowed. Love oozed from her every essence. It was seen in those scrumptious brownie sundaes she made during sleepovers, and it was epitomized every time she called me the love of her life. That positive spirit never left her, all the way until the Lord took her home. She lived out 1 Corinthians 16:14: “Let all that you do be done in love.”

The last night I saw her will be etched on my heart forever. We knew her time was short. Cancer ate her down to nothing. My brother, Curt, and I went over to see her that night. Her frail body was barely holding on. But there she was. Smiling. Loving. Living her last day to the fullest. I wept quietly, watching her struggle to get out the words she wanted to say. But she couldn’t. Her sentences trailed off into nothing. But then something happened.

Memaw winked at me. That wink was golden. It said all the words she was yearning to say but couldn’t muster the strength. It showed me love in every way she knew how. I have held onto that wink ever since the day it happened. Lesson number three … always err on the side of love. Love fiercely. Love freely. Bonus lesson … never miss an opportunity to say I love you to someone special. Life is a vapor. There is no knowing of what tomorrow will bring.

The Lord put women in our lives for so many wonderful reasons. Their lessons they teach us? Priceless. To think we celebrate mothers only one day a year seems like moms get the shaft. I guess that gives us a reason to do it up right. So, get out the flowers. Book the spa day. Or be like my wife. All she ever wants is a peaceful nap.

To all you moms out there, thank you for all you do. I hope you all feel cherished this weekend.

Challenge: Celebrate Mother’s Day with thought and heart. Thank all the godly women in your life.

Bible study: Journal about or discuss any of the questions below about biblical women …

How did Mary, the mother of Jesus, epitomize obedience, courage, and trust?
How did Esther communicate with boldness and humility?
What can we learn from Mary and Martha?
How did Sarah, Abraham’s wife, show how trusting God always defies human reasoning?
What can we learn from the woman at the well?

Just for fun: The Skit Guys “Mom Goggles” never fails to bring a smile to my face. I hope it brings you a smile as well. God definitely gave moms a special way of looking at things.