From the moment we were born into this world, our mothers devoted wholeheartedly their tender loving care to look after us.  We grew up under their careful protection.  Back when we were still young, we would always run to our mother when we were afraid.  Her gentle voice and comforting touch could always calm our hearts.  When we fell sick, mother would stay with us deep into the night to ensure we were alright.  At home, mothers wear many hats.  They are the cook, chauffer, cleaner, tutor, etc.  Despite shouldering such a heavy work load, they willingly dedicate themselves to the task of upbringing their children.  Furthermore, due perhaps to the fact that women are more sensitive towards how others feel, mothers can often empathize with how their children feel and are able to share happy or sad moments together.  Mothers have such an all encompassing influence on us.  For this reason, they occupy a very special place in each and everyone of us.  The care and guidance they give us have great impact on our growth and success later in life.  Many successful people attribute their achievements to their mothers who nurtured them from young.  The sacred vocation of being a mother is more vividly illustrated from the life of spiritual giants we see in the Bible.

Most of us are familiar with the Bible character Samuel.  He is one of the most well known judge in the Old Testament time of  Israel.  It was through him that the first and second king of Israel were anointed.  Since young, Samuel was separated from his parents.  He lived with the high priest Eli.  Nevertheless, the sincere prayers that his mother Hannah offered to God, her godly example and her acts of love towards him (1 Samuel 1-2) had surely impacted Samuel to be a godly man who was greatly used by God.

When Apostle Paul wrote to his young co-worker, Timothy, he specifically mentioned Timothy’s grandmother and mother, saying, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5). Timothy was an important leader of the early church.  Despite his young age, Paul thought highly of this young man and valued his service in the ministry. How did Timothy become such a man of faith? From Paul’s writing, it is evident that both his grandmother and mother were pivotal in his spiritual growth.  They were indeed exemplary in the passing down of our faith to the younger generations!

Besides attending to the needs of family and children, today’s mothers also need to juggle between demands coming from their workplace.  It is really not a simple feat!  However, their motherly nature and maternal love are so prevalent that they are continually motivated to dedicate themselves to the family and children.  Many Christian mothers acknowledge that children are a gift from God.  Hence, they resolve to make it a top priority to raise their children to become godly people.  As mothers are usually closer to their children, this creates for  them the perfect opportunity to nurture them spiritually.  This is especially important in today’s world, where ethics and morality are on a decline.  Such convictions are commendable.  We need to emulate them and uphold them through prayers.

Mothers have dedicated their time, youth and energy to the material, emotional and spiritual well-being of their family and children.  We may not be able to repay all their sacrifices.  In our everyday lives, however, we should do our best to care for their needs, lighten their load in doing housework, spend time with them, give them a listening ear and share with them the love of God by telling them the Gospel.

I would like to wish every mother a very blessed Mothers’ Day!  The sacrifices you made for your family and children will not be in vain.  God remembers!  God bless!