“Only a Mother……?”
Have
you ever heard it? I have. Ask women who they are and there seems to be an
unending list of ‘occupations’ represented. We seem to allow our world to
define us by what we do. But then…maybe one who says, “I’m only a mother!”
Only a mother?
Some years ago, when Marlyne was “only a mother” to our four children,
there were days when it seemed to be an overwhelming situation. Like most
homes with multiple children, each child had his/her own individual needs
and personalities – at times demanding or docile; naughty (yes, even in a
parsonage) or nice; healthy or sick. Most situations were a reminder of our
dependence on the Lord, Who placed those complex, dear little people in our
home.
Today, many more women are working out of the home than when I grew up.
Some because they like to; some because they feel a need to have an identity
outside the home; and many because they feel they need to for economic
reasons. Yet, God still establishes homes, makes “mommies” and gives us the
privilege of caring for, training, and rearing His precious children placed
into our hearts and lives.
Through the years, the woman who was “only a mother” in our home
weathered dirty diapers, scraped knees, buckets filled with salamanders or
frogs, homework, listening to Christmas program recitations, teenage drivers
– the list goes on. In the midst of that came the words of Ephesians 5:20,
“Always give thanks for everything to God, the Father, in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ.”
At the time of some “happenings”, we didn’t always feel “thankfulness” or
see the end results. Now its, “Mom, if I was like my children are, I’m
really sorry.” Or, “Grandma, listen to me; Mommy said she learned this when
she was a kid.”
Rewards? You bet! Memories – that flood the heart, and are still being
made. But first came the nitty-gritty of being “only a mom”. There was the
fear of making mistakes with our children, or even doing too much for them.
But then, the Lord says, “Fear not, I am with you, don’t be dismayed, for I
am your God. I will give you strength, yes, I will help you; yes, I’ll
uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.”
Moms, wherever the Lord has placed you, and whomever the Lord has placed
into your life and heart, be assured that He will give you the strength to
meet every need as it arises. Every mother makes mistakes. God knows every
mother is a sinner (as is every dad). Yet, in love through His Son Jesus’
death and resurrection, He has given you the assurance that you are
forgiven, forever….that He loves you and cherishes you for all the effort
and love you put into being “only a mom.”
Happy Mothers Day to you, Moms! Thanks for being the loving hand and warm
heart of God in our lives! May your children rise up and call you
“Blessed!”…and not just on Mother’s Day. “Always give thanks for everything
..” especially for the gift of being “only a mother!”
- Pastor Hoffmann
