Sunday is a very special day… MOTHER’S DAY! Many will be celebrating the sacred vessels that brought them into the world who went on to love and nurture them throughout life.
For some it can be a more complicated day, in cases of estrangement, or for those like me that have had to say goodbye to our Moms. I’ll celebrate by remembering I had the privilege to hold my Mother’s hand as she went to be with our Lord. It’s a moment I shall never forget and will always give thanks for. The days I cared for her, prior to her departure, allowed time for private talks. She was concerned she hadn’t lived the life she should have. She was pretty perfect in my eyes and, of course, I did all I could to assure her. Still, she left not sure she’d “earned” a place in Heaven. That bothered me for her.
But the very next morning I was awakened by her and my Dad, who died many years before. They danced up to me. She was young and beautiful. He was young and handsome. I recognized them immediately. She said, “I made it. Thanks for being there. I’ll see you when you get home.” Losing her was hard but being able to see her in that state remains priceless. She was so kind to come show me that all was well, that all will be well. It was my mother’s parting gift of love for me.
As I think back to that compassionate vision I can still see so clearly, I’m reminded of the epilogue of Proverbs 31, where it talks of the noble character women, in particular, have the opportunity to grow into and carry.
Not every woman is a mother, not every woman is a wife, but every woman is our Lord’s creation. Each contributes to life in her own beautifully unique way.
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female companions. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who reveres the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
Let us salute all the women in our life for all the very special things they bring into this world channeling the love of our Lord and the talents bestowed by His Holy Spirit. 💚
Please continue to pray for those affected by the Ukraine war. Good shall come from it eventually, but it is so very sad right now.
Happy Mothers Day to all the Mothers… we each had one… how blessed we are.💚🌟🙏
Love you all,
Poppa B