The Weekly Encourager – May 8, 2016 – Mother's Day Meaning

Today has been a great Mother's Day for me. Instead of waiting in line at a fancy restaurant, today our sons came over to our house and we just enjoyed simple take-out food and relaxed conversation at home. Favorite people + peaceful place + I don't have to cook = great time/less money. Last night we all went to a movie together. I am grateful that, as adults, my children still enjoy spending time with us and each other. I am glad that my family understands that I want experiences (like these) rather than objects as gifts. Despite what all the stores are saying, time together with people I care about is higher on my wish list than a new handbag. (And for tired mothers of young children, sometimes time apart from certain loved ones is what they want most!)

But today the Lord granted me an even better Mother's Day gift. At church the topic was God's encouragement to His people, “Do not grow weary in doing good.” In the discussion, my son Austin read aloud this passage from Isaiah 44:

“But now hear, O Jacob my servant,
Israel whom I have chosen!
Thus says the Lord who made you,
who formed you from the womb and will help you:
Fear not, O Jacob my servant,
Jeshurun whom I have chosen.
For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring,
and my blessing on your descendants.
They shall spring up among the grass
like willows by flowing streams.
This one will say, 'I am the Lord's,'
another will call on the name of Jacob,
and another will write on his hand, 'The Lords's,'
and name himself by the name of Israel.'
– Isaiah 44:1-5 ESV

Austin shared this in the context of the Lord's provision to all weary workers who honor Him, but it had special Mother's Day meaning to me. “I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring...this one will say, 'I am the Lord's'.” As he spoke I felt tears well up -- God has seen fit to save my sons! God made a promise and He fulfilled it. Yes, we parents played a part, but only God can do the inner work of the heart, calling children to love and serve Him all their lives. My children are Christians, and there is no greater joy than seeing them walking in the faith, growing day by day, year by year in the knowledge of God. This is a huge blessing.

While I continue to pray earnestly for mothers whose children are not walking with the Lord, as well as for mothers whose children have died, today I am thanking God that I am a mother. There are many difficulties in my life, but in this I can rejoice!

God is faithful and good,
j