Mother’s Day through the Generations

When I hear “Mother’s Day” I get excited! It’s a time to pause and celebrate mothers everywhere. Look around at all the women you know, and think about the countless hours women have helped, provided, encouraged, served, supported, cared, prayed, etc. for people all around the world. It inspires me!

GENERATIONS

This Mother’s Day, I am reflecting on the generations of mothers that have impacted my life. I reminisce about celebrating with my Grandma in Florida. When she was alive, I called her on Mother’s Day to tell her I loved her. I can still hear her sweet voice in my head and remember all the fun memories we shared when we got to visit. I remember writing a paper in elementary school about how I looked up to her because of her strong faith in God.

I think of celebrating with my mom when I was a kid – making her crafts and breakfast in bed. I am grateful for the faith that my mom helped instill in me and how she was dedicated to sending us to church camp and developing strong faith and community at church. I also appreciate my mother-in-law and what she has taught me about unconditional love and support.

I relive the excitement of when I was married and pregnant with my first child on Mother’s Day and how miraculous it felt to have a human being growing in my body. I reflect on how my kids celebrated in their younger years by making me fancy macaroni necklaces and adorable handprint artwork that I still treasure. Now that they are teenagers, it’s the day I am spoiled by my family. No cooking, no cleaning, no working, no planning, no decision making, nothing. One whole, beautiful day to relax and spend time with my family doing my favorite things. It is very therapeutic for my soul.

I dream about the future of my daughter growing up, getting married and becoming a mother herself one day, and my son finding a wife and starting a family of his own. I see the joy in women around me about their grandkids and great-grandkids and long for that day as well.

I realize for some, this day is not full of generational blessings. It may be a day full of pain and loss. But, it may also be a day where another woman like a teacher, aunt, neighbor, co-worker, etc. that has made an impact on your life can be honored.

REFLECTION

Mother’s Day is also a time that I reflect on the woman described in Proverbs 31, an epilogue known as The Wife of Noble Character. It is an acrostic poem, the verses of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The sayings of King Lemuel, which were taught to him by his mother, depicts a woman after God’s own heart, over a lifetime of motherhood.

Please take a moment to read Proverbs 31:10-31 and appreciate the moms in your life.

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

When I read this, I soak in the following:

Mothers are priceless, truly a gift from God.

Mothers are confident.

Mothers have the best intentions.

Mothers provide.

Mothers make wise choices.

Mothers are hard workers

Mothers are generous.

Mothers love.

Mothers are strong.

Mothers are good teachers.

Mothers care.

Mothers are loved and appreciated.

Above all, Mothers trust and follow God.

What we do as mothers matters. Motherhood provides a legacy that passes from one generation to another. God has entrusted us with a great calling and Proverbs 31 is a wonderful example of how a woman can be blessed and be a blessing to others. God provides His supernatural power to those who seek Him, so mothers can have joy in the beautiful times and find strength and peace in the messy times.

I am thankful that faith in Jesus Christ has been passed down throughout the generations. It is the greatest blessing that we can share. It reminds me of Paul’s writing:

2 Timothy 1:5 – “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”

This Sunday at church, look around at all the amazing women who have impacted so many lives. Smile at them. Hug them. Thank them. Encourage them. God has truly blessed the world through moms and has uniquely gifted them for His greater purpose.

I hope you feel so very loved and celebrated this Mother’s Day!