“Your mother isn’t looking for a big or expensive gift. She yearns for the gift of your presence most.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 12, 2024
“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:2-3
God’s first commandment: Honor your father and mother. Of all the things God could have commanded us to do, it is obvious how important honoring our parents is to our Heavenly Father.
Even as Jesus hung on the cross, he honored his mother. “He said, ‘Dear woman, here is your son.’ And he said to this disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From then on, this disciple took her into his home” (John 19:26-27). He wouldn’t leave this world before telling John to care for his mother. Even during his pain, he didn’t forget about her. He modeled for us the importance of honoring our mothers.
My mother has been in Heaven for 19 years, yet there are still many moments throughout the week when I will think of her. My mom’s family originally came from Spadafora, Italy. She was the oldest of five children and helped raise them. Mom didn’t have much formal education, but she had wisdom far beyond her limited years of schooling. She had a faithful servant’s heart and a gift for hospitality, which she passed down to all three of her children.
Our house was the place everyone wanted to come to. Mom was a fantastic cook, and no one ever left our house hungry. She would sit at the kitchen table with my friends and listen to their stories and teenage worries with a sincere heart of care. They went out the door with full bellies, feeling heard and understood, with a big hug and kiss on the cheek and an invitation to “Come on by anytime!” Yes, that was when you could drop by and didn’t need to set up a day or time in advance. You’d show up with a knock on the door, “Hi, I was in the neighborhood.” Somehow, Mom always had something ready and could put a small feast on the kitchen table in the blink of an eye.
I can still remember a Mother’s Day when my then 7-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter served me breakfast in bed. He shakily carried a tray into the bedroom with his little sister trailing behind. The tray held one red rose, a plate of not entirely cooked scrambled eggs, and burnt toast. Oh, I can still see the beautiful smiles on their faces. No matter how that breakfast looked, I ate some of it!
Your mother isn’t looking for a big or expensive gift. She yearns for the gift of your presence most. Take the time to sit with her and talk with her. And if you bring her some beautiful flowers or a card with a handwritten note telling her how much you love and appreciate her, that’s all a bonus!
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” (Proverbs 31:25-29)
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the beautiful gift of mothers. It is a relationship like no other in our lives and we are forever grateful for the love, sacrifice and care mothers give to their children.
Application
Think about making a special date with your mother – just the two of you. If you know a single mom, consider blessing her as she supports her family as this role is doubly hard some days.
Related Reading
Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Proverbs 31; John 16:21; Colossians 3:20
Worship Resource
Jim Brickman: A Mother’s Love
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