A Mother's Day Tribute

Today is for Mothers, so here are a few words from a grateful daughter's heart.

Blessings on the hand of women! Fathers, sons, and daughters cry, And the sacred song is mingled With the worship in the sky-- Mingles where no tempest darkens, Rainbows evermore are hurled; For the hand that rocks the cradle Is the hand that rules the world. William Ross Wallace, 1865, from his poem, "What Rules The World"

I am so thankful for my Mother's godly influence in my life, and the Lord's kindness in placing her there. Mom turned down worldly pursuits for one that would cost her life in the world's terms, and instead found her life abundantly, as the Word promised. She is my heroine for her brave heart and her vision for God to be center in our home. As my siblings and I grew up, Mom modeled (and still does) womanhood not only in big things but in her habitual acts and daily work. The aroma of her homemade bread is still the olfactory theme of my life. Some of my fondest memories as a little girl are of Mom reading aloud to us; her conversations filled mine and my siblings' childhood and gave us a Jesus-centered education. As I type, I hear her voice reading to my 6 and 8 year old brothers in the next room, giving them the same precious gift. Now that I'm older and still at home for now, I have the blessing to still learn from her, and observe her wisdom in managing our home, loving her family, and showing hospitality to others. She is a strong pillar under our family roof, and I call her blessed! In honor of my wonderful Mother, below is a quotation on the important and colossal position given to mothers by the all-wise Creator.

"If drudgery only means dreadfully hard work, I admit the woman drudges in the home, as a man might drudge at the Cathedral of Amiens or drudge behind a gun at Trafalgar. But if it means that the hard work is more heavy because it is trifling, colorless and of small import to the soul, then as I say, I give it up; I do not know what the words mean . . . How can it be a large career to tell other people's children about the Rule of Three, and a small career to tell one's own children about the universe? How can it be broad to be the same thing to everyone, and narrow to be everything to someone? No; a woman's function is laborious, but because it is gigantic, not because it is minute. I will pity Mrs. Jones for the hugeness of her task; I will never pity her for its smallness." G.K. Chesterton, from his book "What's Wrong With The World"