I had the privilege of growing up with a fantastic mum. She was caring, reliable, strict when she needed to me, but my siblings and I always knew she loved us and was looking out for us. Even today, visiting her (and my dad, of course) puts a smile on my face and I never want to leave. Of course, everyone has different experiences of motherhood, some better, some worse. Many of us are mothers ourselves and know the other side of the struggle: the fear, the mistakes, the hard times. But we all know how good motherhood should be – and we all long for it.
The Bible describes God most often as a Father, but many verses ascribe motherly qualities to Him as well! He describes Himself as a mother hen longing to spread her wings over her chicks (Matthew 23:37). He comforts His people like a mother comforting a child (Isaiah 66:13), and we are content with Him like a weaned child with its mother (Psalm 131:2). Everything we look for in a mum, or try to be as a mum, is found perfectly in God.
Mother’s Day is a day to honour our mothers, as God commanded us (Exodus 20:12), in a special way. They are precious gifts from God to treasure and be thankful for. It is also a day to honour God, whose motherly love for every one of us is perfect and never fails. No matter what role motherhood plays or has played in our lives, we can be content in His arms.
James.