TO MOTHERS
OF YOUNG CHILDREN
On
this Mother’s Day, I would like to share a word of appreciation and
encouragement to mothers of young children. As a husband, father, and
grandfather, I have watched, with thankfulness, my wife and three daughters
excel in the art of motherhood. Ladies, you probably do not realize it, but
there are many people who love and admire you for the faithfulness you display
as a mother. Forgive us for not demonstrating our gratitude more often.
Your fidelity
is demonstrated in many ways. For nine months, you endure the discomforts of
pregnancy. Upon the birth of your child, you embrace them with the tenderness
only a mother can provide. You spend sleepless nights with a sick or crying
child. You change hundreds of diapers and clean up countless messes and spills.
You display the physical dexterity needed to carry a child, a diaper bag and a
purse while still being able to locate your keys and unlock your car. You are
on call 24/7 as a nurse, counselor, teacher, cook, referee, wife, and housekeeper.
You display your commitment to Christ by bringing your children to Sunday school
and worship weekly even when you know you’re not going to hear a word of the
sermon.
You
often feel alone and even depressed. You wonder if anyone really notices or
cares about the sacrifices you make. You are exhausted. You long for a day off,
a hug from your husband, or a simple acknowledgment of the work you do.
Mothers,
you are involved in the greatest work in the world as you instill love, trust,
confidence, and faith in the character of your child. President Theodore
Roosevelt was spot on when he wrote, “When all is said and done, it is the
mother, and the mother only, who is a better citizen than the soldier who
fights for his country. The mother who does her part in rearing and training
aright the boys and girls who are to be the men and women of the next
generation, is of greater use to the community, and occupies, if she only would
realize it, a more honorable as well as more important position than any man in
it. She is more important, by far, than the successful statesman, or
businessman, or artist, or scientist.”
In the
familiar words of Proverbs 31:31, “Give her the product of her hands, and let
her works praise her in the gates.”
Thank
you mothers of young children. We love you.
