“A good boy generally makes a good man”. So said the mother of George Washington. And few if any would doubt the greatness of her son George. The problem is that “good boys”, or girls, don’t just happen–they must be made that way. You don’t have to teach a child to do evil, it is in their nature. What the child needs is a transforming power in his life, and none do it better than mothers. George Washington was a good boy who became a great man because he had a godly mother. Our nation should be forever thankful for her.
Washington’s mother taught him the value of virtue, the principles of proper conduct, and the importance of moral courage. Think about it like this—basically, he became what she was. And, generally speaking, for good or bad, that’s the way it is with all of us. If you expect your child to go the way he should go make sure you go that way yourself.
Later in life, with a long list of accomplishments to his account, Washington said, “The greatest teacher I ever had was my mother”. I suspect he was right. And he did well to give her that recognition. Those of us who have been so blessed ought to do the same. Tell her you love her and prove it by your deeds, while you still have her with you. You will be sorry if you don’t. She will be thrilled if you do.
Godly mothers are a national treasure. There is no way to describe how much they are worth! Theodore Roosevelt said, “The mother is the one supreme asset of the national life. She is more important by far, than the successful statesman, or businessman, or artist, or scientist”. To that I can only say Amen! If your mother is still alive I hope you will make this Mother’s Day memorable for her. Let her know how special she is.
