How will you celebrate your mom on Mother’s Day? Everyone has a mom to love and cherish with the second Sunday in May designated to honor all mothers living here or in Heaven! For all that mothers, grandmothers, step mothers, mothers in law do… they should be celebrated every day of the year!
Mary, the mother of Jesus, comes to mind while remembering my own mother, Mary Dean! I wonder what Jesus’ mother’s middle name was? Mother named me Rebecca Dean but chose Becky as my nickname. Always wishing people would call me Rebecca — for she was in the Bible, or Dean Smith — since I loved watching him coach Tar Heels to championships, I embraced the name mother wanted and have enjoyed a good life as Becky Dean Smith Spell Vann! Among God’s greatest gifts I love and cherish are motherhood, step motherhood, grandmotherhood, and in July… great-grandmotherhood! Oh, the joy of being a mom — any name, age, or way it happens… it’s a blessing beyond measure!
Mary became a mom without seeking it. When the angel Gabriel announced that God had chosen her to be the mother of Jesus, she was puzzled and awestruck. Yet, her response was characteristic of great courage for a young girl about to become Jesus’ mother amidst criticism and cynical reactions, even from family she loved and longed for their support.
Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.”
Realization of what it would mean to be the mother of Jesus grew on Mary gradually. There was disgrace among family and friends, the long ride on the donkey, birth of the King of Kings in a smelly stable, visits from Wise Men bearing gifts, shepherds standing watch, cattle lowing, baby sleeping, Star shining, and Joseph staying by Mary’s side through it all.
Mary learned that a sword would pierce her own soul because of her Son when he was only eight years old. (Luke 2:35) In (Luke 2: 41-51), she was in awe of His wisdom beyond His young years. She witnessed his first miracle at a wedding where He turned water into wine. When His public ministry began, she saw how her Son was treated by those who rejected Him. Her motherly instincts to protect surely reached a peak when she stood at the foot of the cross and watched her Son die an unjust death. (John 19:25) Mary, the mother of Jesus, endured happiness and heartache while celebrating motherhood and making sure she stayed true to the One who sent her Son!
Motherhood is a rich gift from the Master that gives happiness along with hurts, hurdles, and heartaches; yet, hallelujahs always come when we stay in faith, trust the Lord, and ‘raise up our children in the way they should go…(and though they may stray and stay away from family gatherings, Mother’s Day celebrations, worshiping the Lord, honoring their mothers and fathers, loving, respecting, and cherishing Father, family, and friends He puts in their paths… the Word reminds us that when they are old they shall not depart’!
Abraham Lincoln once said, “No man is poor who has had a godly mother”!
Mary was richly blessed when God chose her to be the mother of His Son. We are richly blessed when God grants us motherhood, even in ways beyond understanding.
St. Therese shared a quote that seems perfect to end this story and start each of us thinking of ways to celebrate our mothers (whether they are here or in Heaven) and other women God has put in our lives that are like unto a mother…a mom, mother in law, step mother, or dear woman who might have been barren but God gifted her to be a mother to someone in need of the love of a dear mom!
“The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother.”
God surely smiles as Mother’s Day approaches with (hopefully) All His Children preparing to honor, celebrate, and “love on” their mothers… His lovely masterpieces!
Happy Mother’s Day to my mother in heaven, (Mary Dean), my mothers in law here (Mom and Mama Willa)… and many precious women here whom I love like a mother. Thank you for coloring my world with wonderful memories made and more to make as we celebrate life, love, and motherhood!