I know we’re past our annual observance honoring mothers, but I wanted to do it even though it’s late.
    Mothers are among the most important people on earth — maybe the most important. In spite of the negative attitudes about motherhood promoted by some, most people still give at least lip service to the significance of the place of mothers in society.
    My mother was on speaking terms with God, and before I — her first child — was born, he told her several things through Scripture he wanted her to know about her new life as a mother. I’d like to share some of those.
    1. God told my mother she could be happy in her role as a bearer and supporter of children.
    Today, many young women are told that children will be a burden, and will get in the way of their plans for personal happiness and fulfillment. To the contrary, motherhood is intended by God to bring joy to faithful mothers. “He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children.” (Ps. 113:9) A number of times, Bible women are pictured in anguish because of their inability to bear children. (Do you remember Hannah, Samuel’s mother? God did bless her with a son, and she gave him in service to the Lord under the tutelage of Eli, the priest.) Women can be happy as mothers, just as anyone can who does God’s will faithfully.
    2. God told my mother she was to care for her children.
    Nature itself teaches us that mothers are to be concerned about and provide the needs of children. With few exceptions, if any, mothers in the animal world protect and care for their offspring with an almost unbelievable fierceness and loyalty.
    Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “... we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.” (1Thess. 2:7)
    3. God told my mother she should help her children learn and do the will of God.
    Paul wrote to Timothy, “I have been 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.” (2 Tim.1:5)
    It’s not easy to get children up for Bible class (especially when they’re sleepy), but mothers (and fathers) have been charged by God to help them learn about Him. It’s true that you “can teach them at home,” (and you should). But what about your example to them of a strong desire to learn about God and to help the people of God?
    4. God told my mother she was to love him more than her children.
    Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. ...” (Mt 10:37 Compare Luke 14:26 — “hate” — which is language intended to make the point by overstatement.) Mothers who show their children that they love God supremely will help them to grow up to be faithful.
    I’m glad God talked to my mother. If you’re a mother, he wants you to know the same things.