A Mother’s Love

Well, the "seasons of April" have passed us now. What a strange weather month that was. Now, it is time for sweet May to unfold the colorful gardens and bounty of spring. This month, we are reminded of the beauty of nature, fresh life and growth, and the importance of nurturing and caring for the young. It's obvious to me why we celebrate our mothers and their importance in our lives during this month.

"Youth fades; love droops; the leaves of friendship fall; a mother's secret hope outlives them all." ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

Much like a gardener with a young seedling in the early spring, a mother watches over her child's physical well-being at the earliest and most delicate times in the youngster's life. She continues to help cultivate her child's character and morals through her care and teachings of love and respect, truth and forgiveness. Sometimes, as I remember, my mother did these things without saying a single word. With just a look — yes, "that" look — I understood better what I should have already known, or else I soon would be learning a good lesson.

There is no love beneath the heavens that compares to the unconditional love and forgiveness in the heart of every wonderful mother. I know this to be true. I learned this through the actions, words, and sacrifices of my first and forever favorite teacher, my mom. My mother is no longer with us, yet I still hear and pay attention to her calming voice and the gentle authenticity of her words. A mother's hug lasts long after she has let go.

Proverbs 6:22 references a mother's teachings, "When you walk about, they will guide you; When you sleep, they will watch over you; And when you awake, they will talk to you."

If you have the opportunity to make your mother smile today, do so. If your mother isn't here to enjoy and admire, select one of your favorite moms and bring a smile to her face in your mother's honor. Happy Mother's Day month to all mothers, here and afar. God bless you and yours.