My mother was the biggest influence in my life. Many of you can say the same thing about your own mother.
She is the one who taught me to pray. She taught me about kindness and forgiveness. She taught me about generosity and sharing. She made sure that my four brothers and I were dressed nicely and in church and Sunday School every Sunday morning.
She wholeheartedly supported my call to the ministry. She encouraged me constantly. I know she prayed for me every single day. She slightly bristled when I would tell her of an occasional difficult church member. She would write me notes of encouragement. Notes that I will always treasure.
She and dad would make regular visits to whatever town or city I was in, in order to worship with the congregation, but mainly because she wanted to hear her middle child preach. She would sometimes comment that I did not preach long enough. I would always remind her, “Mom, you are the only person in the universe who ever says that.”
It’s hard for me to believe that it has been so long since she died. I have heard people say that time brings healing. I suppose that is true. But I still miss her so much.
This Sunday we will honor our mothers; those who are still with us, and the precious memories of those who have gone to the other side.
The writer of Proverbs declared, “Her children rise up and call her blessed.” (Proverbs 31:28) Happy Mother’s Day!