Reflecting on My Mother...

I remember it as if it were yesterday. I was at Children’s Hospital to have my tonsils removed, and this well-meaning nurse was attempting to draw some blood. Now, I want to say right up front…I like nurses. They’re nice people, and I appreciate the difficult job they do. That said, either this nurse was having a bad week, or my vein wasn’t cooperating, or she just wasn’t very good. Whatever the reason, I spent quite a few minutes in agony, until my mother demanded she leave and send in another to do the job.

Then there was the time I chased that ball down the hill and into the street, only to stumble over the curb and land on my right knee, tearing my jeans and the flesh underneath. (I can still show you the scar.) In tears, I ran home where Dr. Mom was ready to fly into action. Why is it that relief comes from your mother and no one else?

Then there was the time I rode my bike into the street right in front of that car. Laying in Emergency at the hospital with a broken left leg and a slight concussion, my strongest memory is when my parents arrived at my side. As any child might be, I was upset because of the trouble I had caused. But, quickly I realized they were only concerned about me…not about having to leave the restaurant early.

As Mother’s Day approaches each year, I am flooded with many such memories. Times of broken toys, broken bones and broken hearts. The one constant is that my mother was always there. She was there to protect, to mend, to encourage, to reassure. And there’s nothing quite like hearing your mother say “You did great!”

Isn’t that just like God? He’s here to protect you, to heal you, to encourage you, to reassure you. And, oh, the joy on that day when we’ll hear Him say, “Well done!” Mothers have the unique opportunity to show a side of God that we’ll see nowhere else. I’m grateful He gave me the mother I have. I’m grateful we have become the friends we are today. And though I don’t say it often enough, I say it now…

Thanks Mama. I Love You!

Isaiah 66:13 As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you...