I was blessed to watch another sunrise this morning. I have seen many but most of the time I don’t slow down enough to appreciate them. Today was different. This one was on Mother’s Day.
Sunrise in these North Alabama hills is special. The morning air here is thick, dripping with the sweetness of slow, Southern living. Russell, the neighbor’s donkey brays loudly, probably in protest of our lunatic Bluetick Coonhound Boone, who is barking for no apparent reason. Birds are singing, crickets chirping, and bullfrogs croaking. It is a symphony of simplicity that I believe if it spoke would have a slow, Southern drawl. I was blessed this morning to be a part of it again.
While I sat in my little part of God’s world I considered just how blessed I am to be alive. I wouldn’t be here at all without a mother. That sounds obvious but it is a fact. My blessings didn’t stop there though. They have continued all through my life. God has put three wonderful examples of mothers in my life. I know there are more good mothers but these are the three that have blessed me through the years.
Blessed To Know Jesus On Mother’s Day
The first memories I have about Jesus are from my mother. What a blessing it is to have a mother that is concerned about my soul. She taught me early on about the importance of having Jesus in my heart. This has stayed with me all of my days.
I haven’t always done the right thing. There has never been a time when I was in the wrong that I didn’t know it. I believe that has a lot to do with my raisin’. When I was living foolishly I am convinced that my mom was praying for me. Her intercession may be the only reason the Lord let me make it this far.
Mom always took care of me. She was not concerned about anything she could do for herself. Her focus was on making sure her children had what they needed. This Mother’s Day I know I am blessed to have a God fearing mother.
Proverbs 22:10 Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it.
God Has Blessed Me With A Wonderful Mother To My Children
I am not sure why I have as much as I do. When I hear stories about kids being neglected it tears at my soul. The Bible tells of a time when people will lack natural affection but it is still hard for me to understand. Thank the Lord He has blessed me with a Christian wife that loves my children.
My wife has been through some hard times. Her sickness is a challenge every day. If I had that much trouble I would not be a nice guy. She does it all with a smile. Our children have always been her first priority. They still are today.
This home we live in does not look like much when you drive by. Let me assure you that it is the richest place I know. There is an overflowing here of love and grace that I cannot comprehend. This is because of a mother’s love that looks past her own infirmities and only cares for children. I am so thankful today for my wife.
Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her.
A Mother’s Strength and Perseverance
The last but not least example of a mother in my life is my sister. I have watched her in awe through the years as life has tried to knock her down. She is tenacious though and keeps getting back up. I wish I had that kind of strength.
She has never been afraid of work. Her children’s provisions have always been her focus, even if she had to do it alone. This kind of work ethic is something that a lot of people, men and women, in our country have abandoned, but it is still necessary. If you have children and spend your time working so they can have more it is a sign of the greatest form of love, charity.
Through troubles and trials in her life I have watched my sister grow in her faith in God. What a witness it is to a lost world to see a person struggle and continue to sing the praises of Jesus. The testimony of a Godly mother that continues in her faith when others would have given up is one of the greatest lessons a mom can give her children. I am blessed to have a sister that loves the Lord and stays strong for her children.
Proverbs 31:25 Strength and honor are her clothing; And she shall rejoice in time to come.
I Am Humbled By God’s Blessings Today
A lot of times I don’t realize just how good I have got it. I guess taking things for granted is something that we all do sometimes. The fact is I have been blessed all through my years. My life on Earth has been a good one, far better than I deserve.
These three women I have told you about today are all an invaluable part of my life. I may not show it a lot but they all mean the world to me. These feeble ramblings I have put in this post today cannot begin to tell you how much these mothers have done. God has shone favor on me for sure.
I know you have mothers in your life that have these same qualities. You should thank God every day for that. Maybe you are a mother yourself. My hope today is that you will have faith in God and keep doing good work for Him and your family. There is no greater honor and responsibility than being a mother. Happy Mother’s Day to you all!