The Greatest Mother on Earth
Do you feel you have to be perfect? Discover how you can be yourself
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
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.
My heart goes out to you Kathy and Debbie. As the mother of three adult children I have to wholeheartedly agree with what Marilyn puts so well….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…
Our three are so different…..one never sends anything sentimental so if he ever did I would wonder what happened. Another is the one that sends the cards that make me cry…and the third? Well there aren’t cards or if they come they could be three months late! But I love each of them and having learned long ago not to have expectations, I am a much happier mother!
Graat for Mother’s Day. It reminds me of the quote I have on my wall about giving our children ‘roots and wings.’ Roots in a loving home/grounded in God’s Word and Wings to fly and become all that God has intended for them.
Yes, Happy Mother’s Day!!! With all the love and blessings through our heavenly Father.
Also, to the mothers who children are gone….you are not alone.
God Bless you abundantly!
This devotional so touched my sad heart. I lay here today disappointed from expectations unmet. My baby is a typical normal selfish 18 year old not running to mommy with her homemade card and breakfast in bed.
I need to embrace my new season and trust them to the Lord.
I needed to read this today. I sit with a cup of coffee wondering if my boys are going to remember me today. If my husband is, but they all show their love all the time in different ways. So I guess this is a day for me to reflect on how gracious the Lord was to bless me with this family. Thank You Lord.