The Greatest Mother on Earth
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Hanging on the wall of our guest bath is a framed, handmade Mother’s Day card, a simple watercolor painting of a purple flower (perhaps a pansy?) with pale green stem and surrounding splashes of orange. Who knew this budding artist’s work in oils and charcoal would one day grace other walls in our home? But it is the message, written in pencil, that draws attention:
Dear Mother,
I think you’re the greatest Mother on earth. Your (sic) the best mother I’ve ever had because I’ve never had any other.
Love,
Robbie
PS Happy (Late) Mother’s Day
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Short on sentiment. No hearts and curlicues in either art or prose. Just a simple statement of fact based on personal experience. And that describes this mother/son relationship to this day. (His greeting cards almost always arrive late!) He roars in laughter upon hearing that his parents are about to take yet another mission trip (at our age!) to what he considers a godforsaken corner of the world. “Why am I not surprised?! is his comment. Over steaming cups of espresso he and I have intense discussions about God and theology. We differ radically on most political issues yet faithfully and respectfully read recommended books and articles on each side.
Often we mothers look for Hallmark relationships with our adult sons and daughters and are disappointed when those expectations are unmet. We may even demand outward expressions of affection and then wonder why the relational distance only grows. Part of being a mother is allowing our children the freedom to be the persons God created them to be.
There are no “hearts and curlicues” in my relationship with this son, yet long, firm hugs at the start and finish of our infrequent visits are just one indication that this relationship is rock solid. One April day 48 years ago I gave him life and today I would trust my life to him. I know he still believes I’m the greatest mother on earth!
Father, thank You for the tough and beautiful privilege of being a mother. Help me learn more about my children each day, entrust them to Your care, and faithfully pray for them.
Questions: Try to describe the personality of each of your children. Write down their strengths and weaknesses. If your children are five or over, discuss your findings (only their strengths!) with each one. Thank them for being the unique people they are.
About the Author Marilyn J. Ehle
Tags: discussions, greeting cards, Hallmark, Marilyn J. Ehle, mother, Mother’s Day card, political issues, relationship, sentiment, theology
2 Responses to “The Greatest Mother on Earth”
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Your devotional made me smile too because my relationship with my adult son is much the same. Definitely not a Hallmark relationship as you call it but sincere just the same!
Marilyn, My son is just 24, but I could have written this devotional myself. It describes my relationship w/ him perfectly. It made me smile. A little note: he actually called me yesterday (the day b4 Mother’s Day) to wish me a happy one, b/c he said, in case he forgot to today… It brought such joy to my heart. He lives many miles away now, but I miss his hugs (that you mentioned too). He will be home to visit next weekend, and my family can’t wait. Thanks for this on Mother’s Day! And Happy Mother’s Day 2u! :)