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A Mother Knows |
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Article by Tom Gilbert — May 2005
I never saw my Mom pregnant. Or if I did I certainly
don’t remember it. I’m the middle child of three. My sister
is three years older and my brother is just eighteen
months younger. So, my mother was towing me around as a toddler by the
time my brother was born.
Now that I have a couple of children of my own I have personal experience with a pregnant
woman. Guys, let’s face it – we won’t ever truly appreciate what women go through
during those months of carrying a child, let alone the whole labor and birth experience. All
we can do is be supportive and in awe.
God’s mystery of creation and the differences between men and women is impressive.
Women have so many special gifts that are hard for the male species to understand, let alone
appreciate. The ability to carry a new life and eventually give birth is got to be in the top
three. Right up there is the long-suffering acceptance, encouragement and nurturing that they
give to their children.
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I don’t
have a lot of vivid memories as a young child.
But I do remember my Mom being there for me.
She would instruct. She’d enforce rules.
She’d agonize over my rebellion. And now,
many years later she has an amazing intuition
for helping me grow spiritually.
As I’ve walked my path over the years I keep
getting surprised at how Mom knows what to say
or pass on. We live cities and many miles apart.
She sends cards and letters – often apologizing
for writing when she seems to be in regular correspondence,
especially compared to my more infrequent replies.
She says things to me that are full of deep meaning,
wisdom and truth that I often don’t absorb
until much later. And she has an uncanny knack
for sending me books that are just what I need
at the time – and for some time to come.
Not long after college my mom sent me a “Good
News” Bible. In the front she wrote what
has become one of my favorite verses, “And
we know that in all things God works for the good
of those who love him, who have been called to
his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 - NIV). Boy, I’ve
sure seen how true that is, not just for me but
for countless others. God can take what we consider
bad, even horrible and tragic things, and work
His grace and mercy so that good results.
My mother likes to read page-turning novels and
she’s turned me on to some great ones. They
don’t have to be spiritual, but often they
are. My first exposure to a Graham Greene novel
was at her encouragement. And she has sent me some
incredible devotionals as well as spiritually rich
and challenging books by Oswald Chambers, Thomas
Merton, Thomas Keating and Joseph Girzone. Occasionally
I’ve been able to return the favor and introduce
her to authors I’ve discovered.
One of the things I’ve been grateful for
is the gentle persistence from my mom to check
out Richard Rohr’s writing and teaching.
I live in Albuquerque where the Center for Action
and Contemplation is located, but it took me a
few years to finally investigate. My mother’s
voice kept coming to me, perhaps working together
with the Holy Spirit, “I think Richard Rohr
is in Albuquerque. You should check it out.” That
has resulted in some great friendships with people
at the CAC, some wonderful lessons from Rohr and
my involvement in male spirituality.
Just a few months ago I remarked to my mother that
Richard Rohr had mentioned his favorite mystic
was Julian of Norwich. A few days later in the
mail she sent her own copy of Julian’s writings.
Our relationship today is wonderful, but I gave
Mom more than a few sleepless nights in my earlier
years. I was a rebellious lad and got into trouble
from time to time. When I went off to college I
was very anxious to spread my wings – and
I did! Returning home for the summer after my freshman
year I continued to stay out late at night and
do what I wanted. After all, I was an adult now.
My mom had a hard time letting go to that, but
reportedly a clergy friend took her aside and said, “Now
Jeanne, when Tom was away at school did you sit
up all night worrying about him?” She got
the hint, but I can see now that it’s tough
for the mother hen not be concerned.
It’s not unusual for us to idealize our parents.
Yet, we all go through the ups and downs that come
in the journey of life. I know that my mom has
grown through her trials, tribulations, errors
and faith. I have to resist putting her on a pedestal
that makes her out to be “perfect”.
Nobody deserves that kind of pressure.
I do hope that I continue to grow in appreciation
for what my mother does for her children, her husband/my
dad, her friends and strangers. It does influence
me as a parent and a person. It’s God working
through us all and a very real demonstration of
Romans 8:28.
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Mother's Day Resources
Christianity Today
Mother's Day Special Section
Peggie's Place - MamaQuest!
Grant's Heavenly Top Ten Sayings Of Biblical
Mothers
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Scripture taken
from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright © 1973,
1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights
reserved throughout the world. Used by permission
of International Bible Society.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered
trademarks of International Bible Society. Use of either trademark
for the offering of goods or services requires the prior written
consent of International Bible Society.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible,
New Living Translation, copyright ©1996. Used by permission
of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189, USA.
All rights reserved.
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PROVERBS
31:29-30
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"Many
women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD
is to be praised.
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(NIV)
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Recommended
Reading
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