Sunday, May 10, 2009

A Mother's Job

For more reverential ponderings on Mothers Day, stop by Angie's place!
From the dawn of the human race, mothers have struggled with guilt. Mothers have made mistakes. Mothers have wondered which of their children's woes could be ascribed to the hand that rocked the cradle. This Mothers Day, I think of the age old tradition of mother-guilt.

Can you imagine what Eve suffered in this department? Eve blew the family's chance to live in the very best neighborhood. She let her husband run around without a clean shirt and slacks. She raised her sons, but one turned out to be a murderer.

Poor Eve! How many times did she replay her mistakes in her mind? Did she worry what the other mothers must think of her? Did she resent Adam for her own bad judgements? Did she look at her polar opposite offspring and wonder where she went wrong?

Mothering is the biggest job on the planet. Tonight, I am thankful for Eve, the mother of all mothers. No offense to her, but her story reassures me I'm not doing so badly after all. Here's to every mother who ever did the best she knew how to do - a blessed and guilt-free Mothers Day to us all!

May you feel His grace today,
Gail W.

The last Word:
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "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. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31: 28-31, NIV.

17 comments:

Denise said...

Happy Mothers Day my dear friend, love you.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Well, she didn't have anyone to compare herself with, but I imagine the guilt was palpable. Won't that be a conversation some day...

Happy Mother's Day, Gail. Lots of love to you this week.

peace~elaine

Crown of Beauty said...

Guilt free mothering, that is what the Lord Jesus offers us mothers!

No condemnation, but freedom in Him, hope that He can help us reinterpret the wounds of our past, see it from His heavenly persperctive!

Enjoy the rest of your day, Gail.

Love
Lidj

Aunt Angie said...

That is just the neatest post...You know---at all the times I asked myself those very questions "where did I go wrong"...I never once thought about Eve going through the same wonderings...

I just LOVE the fact that you are part of my life---albiet though the avenue of blogland...we are mates---in Christ Jesus---sisters! Both bought with the same price and what a LOVE He has for us!

I hope your mother's day was filled with HIM!

Stacy said...

Happy be-lated Mother's Day, dear friend! Thank you so much for your encouraging words and loving prayers. I so appreciate your kindness and friendship. With Love, Stacy

Andrea said...

Gail, thank you for these encouraging words! They blessed my soul! I have been known to blame myself for any mistakes of my children.

I truly do have two wonderful, sweet sons, but growing up, they had their share of difficulties.

Thank you for this post. Yes, I believe the Lord wants us to live without condemnation.

Many blessings,

Andrea

Laura said...

I hope you had a lovely mother's day, Gail. I'm a bit behind, but that how the story goes. I guess I've never considered Eve's guilt feelings as a mother. Very thought provoking! There's always something to evoke that mommy guilt!

LisaShaw said...

I can relate to this post Gail. I think all Mothers can. Thank you for your sharing with us. I'm so glad you left a message on my Mother's Day post in honor of my Grandma so that I could meet you!!!

I look forward to getting to know you better and yes the "Flower Guild" does take us back 40 years. I'm 43 so it certainly does.

Bless you dear one.

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Aunt Angie said...

Had you on my heart....hoping your family is okay... :)

I thought of you today as I was straightening up in the mess of an office at home and ran across some printed pages of our Bible Study at the end of last year!
What a time of learning and loving that was!

I have missed getting to visit around with many sweet friends...life has been busy---and I've dealt with a few emotions of late...I am sure you know what I mean...I pray that you are all okay.

If there is ANY way possible that you could come and join us for the Bloggers Retreat...I PRAY that God would provide the way and means...He is able.

I love you dearly Gail!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Well how are you? Where are you? Just checking on you.

peace~elaine

Marsha said...

Hi Gail,
I haven't seen you on line lately so I thought I'd check in. I pray everything is okay with you.

Blessings,
Marsha

LisaShaw said...

Tried to leave you a message but I'm not sure it took. I came over Gail to see how you are doing sister. I pray you and your family are well.

Blessings and love!

Tina said...

thinking of you, hope all is well

Tina

Amrita said...

Hi Gail, Hope all is well. How is daughter doing?

Aunt Angie said...

Gail....I have had your face come to my mind for several days....I am just wanting to touch base and check on my "sista"....hope you are okay...would you let me know???

Love you girl!

Sita said...

Hi Gail,
Missed you. Hope all is well.
Love, Sita