11 May Mothers, You Are a Gift

Mothers, you are a gift that your children open every day.

When the sun rises, or before, and they come running to you with their padded feet, special blanket in arms, saying “Mama, up!” and you open your arms and draw them in to your heart…

You give the gift of your affection.

When they look over your shoulder as you cook and ask eagerly, “Mom, can I help?,” a curiosity and excitement rises from their words that touches your heart. And you know it will take more time and yet you see them wanting to learn, wanting to be with you, and you say, “Sure, honey! You can be mommy’s helper.” 

And you get them an apron and a spoon and they stir the pot, crack the egg, pour in the pasta. And they proudly tell Daddy, “I helped Mommy make dinner.“

And you give the gift of experience.

And there she goes, climbing the tree again, seeing the world from a new perspective; And she calls out “Mama, can I go higher?” and you see she’s gone far enough but don’t say yes or no, instead asking the question, “What does your gut tell you?” And she thinks for a moment and says “No, I should come down.” And you say, “Good job knowing your limits.“

And you give the gift of empowerment to make her own choices.

And he puts on his ice skates but stares fearfully at the ice and clings to your hand saying, “I really want to skate but I’m afraid I will fall.” And you say, “Yes, most likely you will fall a bit and that’s o.k. – it’s part of learning new things. Let’s try together.“

And you give them the freedom to fail without fear or shame.

And she says, “My painting isn’t any good. It doesn’t look like the one in my book.” And you say, “It doesn’t need to look like the one in the book. What makes it lovely is that you created it yourself.“

And you give the gift of encouragement.

And when she comes to you crying that a girl in school was mean to her on the playground and you listen with love, affirming her with care, you give her the gift of a safe place in your arms. And as she wraps her arms around you, you remind her that God goes with her to school and on the playground and you pray together that she can show His love to the girl who was unkind, even if it is hard.

And you give the gift of loving counsel.

And he says to you, “I don’t like you! You’re mean!” when you enforce consequences for hitting his brother. And you desire his growth more than you fear his displeasure.

And you give the gift of discipline.

And everyone is running late and you snap on her for forgetting her shoes and your words sting harsh and your conscience smites you. And you bend low and painfully ask for her forgiveness.

And you give the gift of humility.

And in the evening when the fireflies chirp and light up the night like dancing stars, you lay on his bed and read him another story “just because.” And he cups your face close and says, “Mama, please don’t ever leave.” And you hold him tight and say, “I’ll always be here for you no matter what.“

And you give him the gift of your presence….unconditional love….security of relationship.

And the day comes when she drives away from home for the first time. And with a big hug and a smile of confidence,

you give her the gift of wings to explore the world and the gift of roots to guide her steps well.

And the greatest gift you will ever give is the gift of yourself:

laid down freely, without reserve, unto the Lord.

And one day you will stand back amazed at all the love that’s poured through your heart and wonder at how it never ran dry. And you will give praises to the God who supports, fills, guides, graces, forgives, and carries….

Mothers.