Rise to the Occasion

By Cathy Irvin
Staff Writer

A mother’s love; what can compare? When we think of the sacrifices they make for their children, could it fill a book? I am sure, perhaps volumes. They give up time, sleep, sometimes food; they shed tears, and they wake to meet so many needs of the day for so many people. They run households, they attend meetings, meet with teachers, plan meals, baby-sit above and beyond the call of duty, especially if they happen to be grandmothers or even great grandmothers. Their days seem to never end.

What makes Moms so wonderful? God must have placed special ingredients in them. They seem to have the ability to cram more in one 24-hour time period, with all the tasks they have to do, that anyone else can accomplish. They have stamina to endure pain when they see their children suffer from a physical condition or an emotional hurt.

They toil day and night for such little reward, so on Mother’s Day we the recipients of their love, sacrifices and dedication, must rise to the occasion to say in some small way simply “Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for us.”

Boxes of chocolates, flowers, a card with money or a dinner invite will never make up for the sacrifices they have made. It is the thought, the expression that lets her know she is not forgotten and that she is loved. This is the day to say, "Mom, you are a treasure." So let us rise to the occasion. God will smile on you because you have invested in one of His prized possessions.

Who can compare to a mother’s love? No one on earth can, except of course a Father’s love and that’s another story. God's love is the only real true comparison for all the sacrifices He has made for His children. Perhaps this special occasion finds you feeling lonely because your mother has gone on to heaven or perhaps you don’t have children. If you have a sister or a girlfriend, take her by the hand; find someone to share the day with in some special way. You may be a mother who will be alone and your children aren’t able to join you. Remember God loves you, so you are never alone.

Women are precious in the eyes of God and you have value and worth. May you be commended for the labor you have done for others, especially for anything you do in the kingdom of God.

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12 (NIV)

May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD. Ruth 2:12 (NIV)

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