It’s really useless–not even Mr. Webster can capture the essence of motherhood. If we used nothing but the dictionary to define “mother” we would get a very incomplete picture. Being a mother involves much more than giving birth to a child, although that in itself is no minor matter. It is with much discomfort and great pain that she brings her child into this world—not something everyone would enjoy, but she does. Mothers, in fact, welcome their children into the world with a radiate joy that seems impossible considering what they went through. Now, that seems like contribution enough, but her work has just begun.
Although she has only two hands and feet, two ears and eyes, and a limited amount of physical strength, like everybody else, she has much more to do than most. Mothers have a vast array of duties to fulfill, yet she has only 24 hours in a day like everyone else. How she is able to get so much done is a mystery. Some would call it a miracle.
In spite of her best planning, which she is very good at, unexpected things happen. Often it is in the middle of the night, while others are sleeping and she is exhausted, yet she responds without a second thought. At other times, day and night, it is everything from trips to school to emergency room visits at the hospital. All this mind you is in addition to her regular chores. Only she could give you that list because the rest of us never really see all that she does–but we would quickly notice it if she didn’t.
Both her husband and children reap the benefits of her labor, but they can’t possibly understand all she does. Only God is aware of all she has endured and accomplished, and He is keeping close records! You and I could never fully repay her, although we usually could do much better than we do, but God can and will. Dear mother fret not because you don’t get the attention, assistance and appreciation you deserve, your labor is not in vain!
Your day, the real Mother’s Day, will come and you will finally and fully recognized and rewarded for all you’ve done. Until then I pray you will find God’s grace sufficient to see you through the toughest job on earth–the ministry of a mother. Not until you stand before Christ will you receive the fulness of joy for a job well done. And we will all sing together,”It was worth it all!”. Think about it!
