“We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.” ~Colossians 1:11–12 (NLT)
They are hardly perfect, these mothers that we elevate, applaud, snuggle up to for storybook time, and lean into for shelter from harsh elements and horrid situations. They do their best, exert the greatest effort, and yet, regrettably, often come up short. Rarely do they have all the answers, much less a handle on what the questions are. In general, they press on when fatigue is winning the round and weariness is the looming forecast for the days ahead. They jump through hoops and walk a shaky tightrope between worlds different than the ones they knew when they were innocent little girls.
And yet, flawed as they are, regardless of their shortcomings, it is distinctly certain that mothers care. They stand up for you when others bully or ignore or ridicule or marginalize or misunderstand your intentions. They cheer you on because they know your particular weakness better than most anyone and yet want you to overcome and soar. They know what you are capable of for they saw it in your eyes the moment you were handed over to them, and they will do everything possible to ensure you succeed, willing to pay the highest possible price to get you there.
A mother loves deeply the way oceans overflow with limitless capacity. A mother loves with a protective arm and a keen eye vigilant for all things dangerous and deceptive. She loves endlessly, even if hardly a drop returns her way. With tenderness and fierceness, a mother pours out love in sacrificial measures for hers is an unconditional, all-encompassing altogether wonderful love.
In the midst of their weakest places, mothers learn the trait of humility. When their hearts shatter wide open for their children, mothers desperately draw close to God, develop a dependence on him, and finally realize that their greatest asset is God’s absolute trustworthiness.
From the delivery room to the principal’s office, from the foster care placement to the reunification, from the divine calling to care for an orphan to the miraculous adoption later on, from the graduation ceremony through to the wedding festivities, and way beyond it all, the wisest mothers are aware that their ultimate hope lies in developing an unshakable faith in a loving heavenly Father. And they will do all they can to pass that gift along to the ones he entrusted into their care all those years ago.
King Solomon explains a mother well: “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.” ~Proverbs 31:25–31 (NLT)
KEY TAKEAWAY
“We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.” ~Colossians 1:11–12 (NLT)
APPLICATION
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