LEARNING DAILY

1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Love suffers long and it is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

To those of you who are mothers, I wish you a happy Mother’s Day. It is good to give you honor for the many things you do each day for your family. It is a day to remember what our mothers have done in our lives as well; I pray there are happy memories when you remember! As I was considering what to write about the celebration of Mother’s Day, listening to two messages from pastor’s wives, and thinking about the mothers in my life – my mom, my wife and my daughters – my thoughts went to 1 Corinthians 13.

This chapter of the Bible is often quoted, most often during a wedding ceremony. The chapter, or portions of the chapter, are found on art work or photographs or some other form of romantic setting. Paul did not write something that was meant to be repeated as some sort of inspirational words or “lovey-dovey” stuff. He was writing to Christians at Corinth who were needing some strong teaching about the expectations of how God expected them to treat one another. God expects His people to treat one another by loving each other as he wrote in the verse above. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians concerned the problems within the church of Corinth and it centered on the lack of a true Christlike love.

Paul describes a love that is difficult to live up to. It seems that the days we live in today have become faster paced, more self-centered, less yielding and more self-seeking. We live in different times! I believe we can look at Paul’s writing and consider his application to mothers. I have dealt with a lot of mothers as an educator, and I have watched and considered those moms closest to me. I’m not sure I have found any perfect mother. I believe I have seen and talked to moms who have been tested in some way by their children. I have interacted with some “momma bears” and some who were just beside themselves. I have seen a loving mother who will do anything for their child. I never interacted with a mother who was willing to give up on the child. I have also seen mothers who did all they could to help their child become who God wanted them to be regardless to any inconvenience to themselves.

I am grateful for God’s influence upon my wife as a mother and grandmother, and for my daughters as they raised their children. Nope, they were not perfect, but they love their children as Paul wrote. I know sacrifices have been made, when necessary, in order to be sure things were done, places were gotten to on time, and tough love shown when needed. Tears of happiness and tears may have been shed out of concern depending on the situation; yet, at no time was giving up an option. A loving mother does not do that!

With that, I pray your Mother’s Day was a great day for you. Do not let this day be the only day of the year you tell your mother your love for her. Take the time to do that often!