That Special Day is Coming!
by Pat Lamb (Author of: Let the Children Come; Children, Come to Me; When the Stars Fall Down; Widening the Church Doors to Teach the Narrow Way; My Thinking Book; Love is…) Books are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, www.patlambchristianauthor.com
Train up a child…
That Special Day is Coming
Mother’s Day is such a special day! It is a time to reflect about what our mothers were or are like, what those of us who presently are mothers are like, and what mothers should be like. It is a day in which mothers can almost feel like special saints when they receive so much acclaim. My, how good it feels! Then, the next day, quite often, we go back to mundane duties and wondering if what we are doing is really worth it all.
Can anyone really describe all the duties of a mother? Those duties are so numerous that the thought of the responsibility is almost overwhelming. And yet, those who are not mothers often cry out to God asking for that gift of a child. In the book of Samuel in the Bible, we can read about Hannah who prayed so fervently for a child that she was accused of being drunk. In spite of the daunting task, most women long to be a mother.
A good mother does whatever is necessary to train a selfish “me” baby to become a responsible, God-fearing person who is an attribute, rather than a liability, to society. When a baby is first born, its only concern is self. Hopefully, as the child grows, he/she becomes more and more unselfish and considers what is right and good. Unfortunately, we still have “big babies” in our society who think only of themselves and their wants.
A good mother must first of all be unselfish in order to rear a child to be likewise. She gives up her sleep and comfort to care for that little one during the long hours of the night which become short hours of sleep. She keeps going for the good of the child even when she is tired. She gives up her desire for a new dress to make sure that the kids have what they need. Erma Bombeck asked in one of her writings, “Why do mothers always give themselves the bent fork?”
A good mother must be patient, realizing that you can’t force a flower to bloom. Just as a rose bush has some buds that open before others, so is the world of budding children. God, in His infinite wisdom, created us to grow and blossom at different paces.
A good mother needs the wisdom of Solomon to settle conflicts. Oh, that everything were clear-cut and easy to solve! Many problems in child-rearing do not have perfect solutions. Sometimes we just have to choose the better solution, wishing for an opportunity to have the perfect solution later. Oh, if only all daddies were right there to assist in the spur of the moment to assist in making decisions!! It is too bad that now there are so many single moms who have to try to be both mom and dad to their children. There is no daddy to remind the kids to do something special for mom on this special day. What a tough job they have!
I know of no better source for the description of a good woman and mom than in the 31st chapter of the book of Proverbs in the Bible. It tells us that a good woman is clothed with strength and dignity (better clothing than that new dress she may have to give up.) It tells us that she watches over the affairs of her household and is not idle. It also says that her children will arise and call her blessed. Verse 10 says, “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” This chapter is a good one to read often to help keep us on track.
Dads, step up to the plate now and help the children plan to express their love to mom on this special day. Children need coaching at this time. While you are at it, plan something for mom yourself to show her that you understand and appreciate her difficult task. When your day comes, hopefully mom will help the kids show their appreciation to you. We both need all the encouragement we can get. Right now, plan to make this day special for mom.