I recall a terrible old expression: “He’s got a mug that only a mother could love!”
As with most comical quips, it is the juxtaposition of a crazy statement against a solid truth. It isn’t healthy to look on people as being ugly, but it is true that mothers have a supernatural ability to see past our messes.
When you walk through their freshly cleaned house with mud dripping off of you - they love you. When you get caught up in drugs and bring pain to your life - they love you. They may get mad, but you know that they always love you!
Mother’s Day is a chance for us to thank our mom’s and honour them for the behind-the-scenes heroes that they are. In fact, we should go out at 7 p.m. this Sunday and bang pots for them!
But where do mother’s find their source of mercy? Is it not but a reflection of the great mercy of God? Despite the masculine nomenclature attributed to God, He carries all the traits of a loving mother. Motherhood is a design that arises out of his nature.
Consider the Old Testament story of how he gave birth to the nation of Israel and strove to maintain a relationship, despite being rejected time and time again. Consider Jesus who looked over the city and longed to gather them into protection as a hen gathers her chicks. Consider his coming into the world was to create a way home for us– to extend mercy to us sinners.
As you reflect this Sunday on the blessing of your mother may it serve to direct your thoughts heavenward to embrace the mercy of God, or, if the thoughts of Mother’s Day bring pain rather than joy, may you seek solace in the love of God that never fails.
As you pen a note to a card, perhaps a simple phrase can be, “I thank God for you, mom!”
