This Sunday is Mother’s Day and I am reminded of the patron saint of motherhood in the 1970-80’s, Erma Bombeck. She was a columnist, author and mommy blogger long before computers. In our home growing up her words were often found posted on the fridge. Her words, insights and humour were golden.
This winter has been especially challenging for mothers (and fathers), juggling between school work, work and parenting responsibilities. Parents, you may have found yourself challenged, stressed and perhaps short on patience. Take courage and find hope from the words of Erma,
"Someday, when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a mother, I’ll tell them…
- I loved you enough to bug you about where you were going, with whom and what time you would get home.
- I loved you enough to insist you buy a bike with your own money, which we could afford, and you couldn’t.
- I loved you enough to be silent and let you discover your hand-picked friend was a creep.
- I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your bedroom, a job that would have taken me 15 minutes.
- I loved you enough to say, “Yes, you can go to Disney World on Mother’s Day.”
- I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment, disgust, and tears in my eyes.
- I loved you enough not to make excuses for your lack of respect or your bad manners.
- I loved you enough to admit that I was wrong and ask for your forgiveness.
- I loved you enough to ignore “what every other mother” did or said.
- I loved you enough to let you stumble, fall, hurt, and fail.
- I loved you enough to let you assume the responsibility for your own actions, at 6, 10, or 16.
- I loved you enough to figure you would lie about the party being chaperoned but forgave you for it…after discovering I was right.
- I loved you enough to shove you off my lap, let go of your hand, be mute to your pleas and insensitive to your demands…so that you had to stand alone.
- I loved you enough to accept you for what you are, and not what I wanted you to be.
But most of all, I loved you enough to say no when you hated me for it. That was the hardest part of all."
To all parents and grandparents both physical and spiritual - may you be strengthened and encouraged. May the Lord use you to build up and equip a new generation. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
We are so grateful for your continued support and offerings! Particularly we would like to thank you for your generous donations to Mu Min, Sons and Daughters, HKCNP (Hong Kong Church Network for the Poor) and ICM (International Care Ministries). Thank you for your generosity, you have made a difference!
Blessings, Pastor Michele
Reference: Erma Bombeck, “If Life is a Bowl of Cherries, what am I doing in the Pits,” 1985.