A Mother’s Love

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings and ye would not.”  Luke 13:34

The Pharisees ordered Jesus to leave Jerusalem and its surrounding areas, but, of course, Jesus did not let anyone intimidate Him.  He was heartbroken, though, over the rejection of Himself and His ministry by the majority of Jews.  He lamented the fact that they wanted nothing to do with Him even though He stood ready to care for them like a mother hen gathers her babies under her wings to protect them from storms and predators, because that’s what Jesus and mothers do.

God gave a mother that preservative instinct to protect her children at all costs, even with her life.  Mothers are a lot like Jesus, but Jesus gave His life even for those who rejected Him.  Mothers will also sacrifice in order for their children to prosper.  Dads also will protect their families in whatever situation that they find themselves, but mothers are the real nurturers of the children.  To carry a child under her heart for nine months creates a special bond between the mother and child, but the same bond is also formed between mothers and their adopted children.  No one comes into this world without a mother.  There was a recent report on the news in which a very liberal woman who supported abortion stated that an unborn baby was not a human being.  There are plenty of women who are not able to bear children who would take that non-human being baby and love him or her and be forever grateful to the one who bore him or her.  I find it very difficult to believe that some folks can be so heartless in the desire to kill one whom God created.

Being a parent is the most difficult job in the world.  The pay is below minimum wage, the hours are long, 24/7, there is no vacation, time off, and sometimes, no appreciation for the sacrifices made.  However, the rewards can be deeply satisfying, especially when the grandchildren come along.  I remember years ago when I was in the hospital having delivered my precious daughter, my husband brought my 28 month old son to visit.  He climbed up on the bed and cuddled against me.  In a few minutes, my lunch of fried chicken and vegetables was brought in, and my son ate my lunch.  Fried chicken was one of his favorite foods, and I didn’t mind letting him eat my food at all.  It didn’t bother him that it was hospital food.  I was just glad that he was there.  After he became an adult, he would come over and eat any leftovers that we had brought home from a restaurant.  I would give him my lunch today if he was still here.

If your mother is still living, be sure and either call or go see her if she is nearby.  Most moms do not expect a fancy gift or expensive flowers.  She had rather have your company and to know that she is still special to you.  If you know of a mother whose family lives in another state or who has outlived her children, perhaps a call or visit would brighten her day.   My mother has been in heaven for 17 years, and I still miss her.  I know that she loved me with her whole heart, and her love showed me how to love my children.  A mother, like the Lord, loves unconditionally and forever.