How are you thinking of and thanking your mum today? There are so many things almost every mother should be thanked for.
In 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, the Apostle Paul says about himself, Silas and Timothy —“… we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother nurtures her own children. We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.”
The meaning of some of these words gives you a greater picture of this mother- like love: “nursing mother” means: ‘one who nourishes and rears up a child’; “nurtures” means ‘impart warmth; hence cherish, comfort, tenderly care for’; “cared so much” means ‘experiencing a strong feeling intensified by an inner attachment: long for, have strong affection for, love very much’; and “dear” is literally ‘beloved’.
In some ways, Paul was very ‘tough’, strong, manly … yet he was also like a gentle mother at times, because he knew that there are very admirable qualities and practices of mothers generally. And, even the worst mothers brought us into the world.
So, may we not only appreciate our mums, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, aunts and all those who’ve been like a mum to us, may we let them know that today (and every month!). If your mother is no longer alive, then offer a prayer of thanks for them and reflect upon some of what they taught you by their words, deeds and example.
Today, let us also remember those who long to be a mum, but either haven’t yet or can’t, or have had miscarriages (more common than many realise). Also be sensitive to those who had bad mothers. Today is Mother’s Day, not Women’s Day — being a woman is not only about being a mum.
Yes, today, there could be: a phone call, card, flowers, chocolates, breakfast in bed etc. … but what will you do next week/next month?
(And you could also think ahead to what you will do Father’s Day as God honours both parents, just as Paul talks about being ‘father-like’ in verse eleven.) For God, there is no such thing as ‘just a mum’ or ‘just a stay-at-home mum’ and so you and I should not think that either; that is a terrible aspect of our culture. Let us also doubly thank any mums who have imparted ‘not only’ life and nurture but also the gospel message of eternal life and living God’s ways.
Cameron
