When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
Proverbs 31:26
Mom never saw it coming.
We were at a church in Phoenix about to give a marriage seminar. A little group of us, including my mom at age 81, were in a room off of the stage.
Our assistant came into the room with excitement: “Your new book arrived just in time.”
She handed me a copy.
“Oh, you have a new book?” mom asked with genuine interest.
I suddenly realized I’d never told mom about this book. She’d known about all my writing projects, but this book – Crazy Good Sex – somehow slipped my mind in our conversations.
I cleared my throat. I didn’t say a word and just handed her the book.
An anxious moment caused the chatter in the room to pause. Mom looked at the cover. Her eyes widened. She looked at me. She looked back at the book. And said slowly: “Oh, honey.”
Another moment of stillness. Then, with her usual quick wit, even at this stage of life, mom said: “Just tell me you didn’t dedicate this one to me.”
The mother’s heart is the child’s schoolroom.
–Henry Ward Beecher
Moms are the best, right?
That’s why Mother’s Day is important. We know, it’s easy to be cynical for some, saying it’s just an invented holiday cooked up by the flower and card industries.
Don’t fall for that fallacy.
Moms have the toughest job in the world.
In fact, just last month we watched what has become one of the most popular viral videos ever: World’s Toughest Job.
A handful of job applicants are seen in an online video interview for a very tough and consuming job. Unreasonable hours. Insane responsibilities. The interviewees can’t believe their ears and begin to scoff at the job.
Then the reveal: it’s a job description for being a mom. It requires more than 135 hours per week, constant mobility, and adept communication. There are no breaks, no holidays off, and there is no pay.
That’s when we witness a touching turn as the job applicants well up with appreciation for their mothers.
So if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration this Mother’s Day, we wanted to be sure you saw it.
This week we are simply sending our celebration wishes to you and yours. Thanks for doing the world’s toughest job.
And just in case you haven’t seen the video, here it is!
Reflect and Respond
What do you appreciate most about your mom and why?
Go ahead, tell us in the comments.
Related Resource
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The First Drop of Rain will take you to a place of discovery, growth, and new life—a place where you can sense the presence of God all around you, uncovered through something as simple as a single drop of rain.
I appreciate my Mom for introducing me to our Savior. Also for her and my Dad’s dedication to providing ya with a Christian school education.
Ah. The ultimate gift!
I appreciate my Mom for trying to be faithful to my dad, even when others thought she was wrong, for being there, for leading me to the Lord Jesus, for praying through the second night during my first baby’s delivery, for praying for us on dates, and at school, for giving tons of advice and backing it up with love and prayer and living her faith. She also learned to forgive and taught us the same. She was a blessing to her parents and in-laws on a consistent basis. She tried to avoid focusing on past sin once confessed, and maximize or point us to a relationship with Jesus. No one is perfect, but she set a good example, and tried to be the parent she would like to always have had. For years I have thought her the ideal mother.
Deborah: Sounds like you were blessed with a wonderful mom!
I appreciate my mom for here never ending care of her nine children. She prayed with us and constantly redirected us when straying from God… She was different than everyone else’s mom and that was ok. She has been my spiritual mentor and has taught me so much of the love of God. I’ve been truly blessed.
Wow! Nine children! God bless your mom!
I love my mom for the things she showed me over trying to teach me. I can’t think of one topic she was a hypocrite in; saying one thing but behaving differently. More is caught that is taught is what my mom lived and taught me most.
More is “caught than taught” … that’s for sure, Eric. What a great heritage.
The first thought that came to my mind was that my mom loves like Jesus does. She has always loved me no matter what I have or have not done. She never asks for love in return. She continues to give. I know Jesus because of my mom. I am the mom I am today because of her. How blessed I am.
If the applicants became tearful when they realized the job description was for the role of “Mom,” what does that say about performance versus our character and who we are as moms. I’m so glad my heart for my children counts even more than my actions …smile.