One of the blessings in dealing with sickness is to realize how many people truly care about you. My wife, our kids, our grandkids, my siblings and parents, co-workers — past and present, brothers and sisters in Christ’s church — here and all over the world, former students and players, friends, neighbors… But I believe one stands above all on earth: my mother.
Mama is my greatest fan. She cares… no matter what. She sends notes; she cheers me up; and she prays non-stop for me and all her children. Of course, when we were young, she disciplined us and prepared us to be good citizens. She always has a song about Jesus on her lips and has a special place in her heart for the poor.
How do we truly honor the one who cares most for us? A card or flower or meal or book can never fully communicate what we feel. In person or in our memories, we all can thank God for giving us solid examples of what it truly means to care.
God uses a mother’s care to describe His own. “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” (Isaiah 66:13) His capacity is unlimited. “Cast your cares on the Lord, for He cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7) What a beautiful truth God wants us all to take to heart: “I care for you.” If we are intensely praying for a loved one, we can know God also cares for that loved one. His love is infinite.
Perhaps in our youth, we could sometimes fool our mothers. My cries while being disciplined were often exaggerated; I wanted it to stop! Like Nannie, her mother, Mama was full of mercy. We tried to take advantage…
God is also full of mercy, but He is never deceived. He knows every thought, motive, and trick. “You cannot fool God, so don’t make a fool of yourself!” (Galatians 6:7) As with our earthly parents, love is often shown through discipline. God disciplines because He cares!
“Thank you, Lord, for caring. Thank you for our mothers and a day to honor them. Teach us to care more deeply. Amen.”
“’My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one he accepts as His child.’ Endure hardship as discipline.” Hebrews 12:5-7