devotion spotlights
Happy Mother’s Day! by Karen Maio
Whether she is Mother, Mom, Mama, Mommy, or Ma, the second Sunday in May is dedicated to honoring the women blessed to be called as such.
As little children, we look to her for nourishment and care, playing with us, snuggles and bedtime stories. We may not realize that she is daily teaching us new things and praying for us. God instructs us to obey and honor her. (Ephesians 6:1-3)
As some of us become moms ourselves, we assume these responsibilities. We teach our kids Christian values and life skills so they can be independent. Most important is teaching them about Jesus and all he did for their salvation, regularly worshiping God and feeding their faith, and living their lives for him. It’s no big deal if your child overcooks the chicken, but it is if she strays from the faith. I concur with the apostle John, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 3 John 1:4 NIV
Sometimes life comes full circle and we need to care for our own aging mothers. Being part of the “sandwich generation” is not always easy, but what better way to honor the mothers who cared for us?
And for those whose mothers are gone, I pray for God’s comfort. For strained mother/child relationships, I pray for forgiveness and love. For those whose children have strayed from God, I pray for the Holy Spirit to bring them back. For those with empty arms, I pray for God’s healing and comfort and for patience and strength as they wait for his perfect plan to unfold.
