“Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” (Exodus 20:12)
“Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:2-3)
I loved, and honored, my mother all of our lives together. She was a precious loving mom. While in Vietnam during 1966-1967, she prayed me home. Though being somewhat shy, she loved her LORD Jesus with all her heart. Her Bible was always nearby in our living room where she often sat, and prayed.
Friends, do all you can to love your mothers actively while you have them. Do not think you have time to do so later, when you are not so busy. When the doctor diagnosed my mother as terminal, and given six months of life as a best hope, I was extremely heart-broken when I had to leave her from the hospital where she lay. Soon I was back in my church field, many miles away from where she was with my dad. We were all thinking, six months; we have a little time to do the things we ought.
Dad had said to me that I did not need to feel like I had to rush back. Back at church, pastoral duties kept me busy. After all, the needs of the church families are greater than my own; or so I told myself. If only someone had insisted his or her pastor, go spend time with his mom. Maybe that is what the LORD was trying to get through to me about.
Mom did not have six months. She went to be with her LORD at six weeks.
Mom’s funeral was extremely hard on me. Thankfully, I was not officiating.
When that could be done was over, this pastor went back to his church field, and for the next two weeks was lost in the duties of officiating services for other people’s mothers. My own grief had not even begun, as I was too busy helping to lay three other mothers to rest. If only someone had insisted, I take some time for myself. Perhaps that is what the LORD kept telling me, but I was too important and needed to help others.
What I want to place into your heart today is first; make all effort to cherish your mother this Mother’s Day, and every day.
Then secondly, make sure you encourage everyone else to do the same, even your pastor.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. I sure do miss you!
