Thanks Mom

My mother is a wonderful woman. She has had a tremendous influence on my life. Her faith has always been strong and her dedication to her family never lacking. God uses Christian mothers to develop the character and soul of children. That little baby who entered the world naked and wailing is a living soul that will never cease to exist for it will live on eternally in heaven or hell. And to the mother, he or she will always be her baby. I am so blessed that my mother taught me the fundamental basics upon which God constructed a life of faith. Without her influence, I wonder where I would be today? I wonder where I would be spending eternity? Thankfully she steered me along the right path and my eternity is now sure.
Mom always believed in me, even when I was wandering far away from what she dreamed her child would become. And when I didn’t have faith in myself, she had faith in me. There is no doubt that my mother had a great influence in my becoming a pastor, and her faithful prayers led me to discover God’s claim on my life for salvation.
Christian mothers should be honored more than one day a year. They are kingdom builders, character builders and you might even call them recruiting agents for heaven. As this Mother’s Day comes around, make it extra special. Express your gratitude for the one who gave you birth and took care of you when you couldn’t take care of yourself. Say thanks to the one who cheered you on when everyone else thought you were a loser. Show your appreciation for the one who consoled you when you were down and comforted you when you failed. There is no way I could repay the debt of love I owe to my mother.
I read a story the other day about a teenager who entered the kitchen one evening while his mother was preparing dinner. “As the boy sauntered through the room, he placed a slip of paper on the counter. He then took a seat at the table and waited quietly.
When she found a moment to pause from her meal preparation, mom dried her hands on her apron. She picked up the paper and read what her son had written:
Cutting the grass: $10.00
Cleaning my room all week: $5.00
Running errands: $2.00
Two hours of baby-sitting: $10.00
Taking out the garbage: $2.00
Maintaining good grades: $5.00
Total owed: $34.00
The boy studied his mother as she examined his "bill." She said nothing, but fished a pen from the pocket of her apron. Mom turned the paper over and began to write. In a few moments she stopped, placed the pen and paper on the counter, and continued preparing dinner. Curious, the boy walked over and picked up his "bill," and read what his mother had written:
Nine months of pregnancy: No charge.
Late night feedings: No charge.
Diaper changes: No charge.
Potty training: No charge.
Bandaging scrapes and scratches: No charge.
Bedtime stories: No charge.
Doctor and dentist visits: No charge.
Taxi service: No charge.
Academic tutoring: No charge.
Seasonal cheerleading: No charge.
Hugs and encouragement: No charge.
Etiquette training: No charge.
Food procurement and meal preparation: No charge.
Clothes, toys, etc.: No charge.
Total owed: No charge.
When the boy looked up from the paper, his eyes were filling with tears. He took the pen from the counter, turned the paper over, and hastily scribbled on it.
He handed the paper to his mom. She looked at it. Written across the “bill” were the words “paid in full.” The boy hugged his mother and whispered, “I love you.””
Folks, there is no doubt that our mothers deserve far more thanks than we can give. They are also more deserving than one day of recognition. But even so, be sure to say thanks to your mother on this special day...
Some of you may not have had a mother whom you think deserves your thanks or your love. What do you do in that situation? First of all remember that the Bible says you should still “honor your mother in the Lord, for this is right.” Even if she has been less than a “poster mom”, treat her with respect. Treat her with the same love you would have liked to have experienced from her. Thank her for changing your dirty diaper and teaching you how to go to the bathroom on your own! Find something good to be thankful for in your mother. Certainly there is enough negative stuff in this world already. Let’s honor our mothers in a way that honors our Lord and in honor give preference to them on this special day.
“Thank you momma... I love you.”
And, “Thanks Lynn. You gave me two beautiful children and have been a wonderful mother to them. I know God placed you in their lives for the blessings you give to our family can only be described as heavenly. I love you sweetie.”

Posted in: Mother's Day