Mothers

A teacher gave her class of seven year olds a lesson about magnets and what they do. Next day, in a written test, she included this question: "My name has six letters. The first letter is M. I pick up things. What am I?" When the test papers were turned in, the teacher was astonished to find that almost 50 percent of the students answered this question with the word Mother.

True, our mothers do pick up things. But our mothers are much more than "magnets," picking up clothes and gathering toys from around the house. As willing as many mothers are to do such chores, they have a higher calling than being just someone who picks up after us.

“Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me” Psalms 27:10. Great mums love their families and provide an atmosphere where each member finds acceptance, security and understanding. Mum is there when a child needs a listening ear, a comforting word, a warm hug, a playmate, a problem solver or a loving touch on a feverish forehead. “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother” Proverbs 10:1.

Having a good mother as a Christian role model is a tremendous blessing. For a Christian mum, one of her great joys will be teaching her children the exciting Bible stories, the stories about Jesus, what Christmas and Easter celebrate, what it means to have faith in God, to trust and love Jesus as their saviour. This kind of mother deserves to be honoured. Not just on one day in May but every day. Recognition and appreciation should not be limited to a bunch of flowers, a card, nice words. It ought to be shown in respect, thoughtfulness, saying thankyou and loving deeds. (adapted from Our Daily Bread, May 10, 2009).

The bible has insightful things to say about mums and dads. “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother Proverbs 15:20. He who robs his father and drives out his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace Proverbs 19:26.

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old Proverbs 23:22. May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice” Proverbs 23:25. “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching" Proverbs 1:8.

Dr Keith Graham