Dear Friends of Ebenezer,
“Her children rise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”
(Proverbs 31:28)
We would again be reminded that one of primary celebrations during the month of May is that of Mothers’ Day.
“Mother” is a word that evokes a multitude of emotions.
Of course, there is no such thing as a perfect mother. Often our own memories are selective. We usually want to remember only the best things about our mother–her gentle guidance, her loving touch, her heartwarming smile. We tend to forget the harsh scoldings we may have received in front of our friends, the spankings for things that weren’t our fault. If we do remember them they are treated with lightheartedness and gratitude.
Mother-love is often blind, and it works both ways. Mothers unconditionally love their children. There are the exceptions of course; but no matter how “bad” a son or daughter acts, deep down a mother will always love her child. Conversely, a child idealizes her/his mother. Young children often think Mom can do nothing wrong; and often teenagers have been known even to “cover” for an abusive or an addictive mother. All of this is possible because our love for each other is a reflection of GOD’S love for us.
While they will never be perfect, nor will we ever have perfect mothers, the Bible reminds us that there is an ideal that mothers and all of us can aspire to: she is said to be the ‘wife of noble character’ from Proverbs 31. Here we have our Creator’s guidelines–the Owner’s Manual, if you will–for becoming noble wives and mothers. If ever there is a mandatory class to take before becoming mothers, Proverbs 31:10-30 should be required reading. It is dated of course, but is still valuable in the many ways that are important. Among the qualities found in these verses are: generosity, industriousness, strength and dignity. She is hardworking, wise and noble.
In an age of ‘Mother (parent) bashing’ and ‘mother blaming,’ it is inspiring to read that the noble woman of Proverbs 31 has children who “arise and call her blessed” (31:28). Both her children and her husband praise her. The important thing therefore, in striving to become the best mother (parent) that we can be is to remember that “A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)
That is true of all of us.
A blessed Mothers’ Day when it comes.
Your Brother,
Ted
Ebenezer United Methodist Church
