Motherliness

Today is a special day in many respects. Foremost, we assembled with the saints in the Camino-Pollock Pines area to worship our Lord and Savior. The day is also special because my wife, Debbie, was able to have all her children and grandchildren under one roof. Yesterday was the first time that all three grandchildren, including two-week old grandson David and four-day old granddaughter Nevaeh, were together.

Mothers everywhere rejoice with Mary who "kept all these things in her heart" as Jesus "increased in wisdom and stature" (Luke 2:51-52). On that note, I reprint an article from Gary Henry on motherliness. So read and enjoy ...

MOTHERLINESS by Gary Henry

Some human attributes are typically found in women more often than in men, and "motherliness" is one such trait.

Notice carefully the word: It's not just "motherhood," but "motherliness." Motherhood is the biological fact of being a mother, and it may or may not be accompanied by motherly attitudes and actions. Usually it is, but may not always. And so we properly pay tribute to those women who've not only borne children but having done so, have also given their children the great gift of motherliness.

Motherliness is not just a trait; it's a virtue. It's something to be admired and praised. Yes, it does come naturally to most women, but the actual following instincts on a day-to-day basis requires choice. It requires work. And it requires no small measure of sacrifice. Those mothers who have gone beyond motherhood into the realm of real motherliness are to be honored in the very highest way.

In some parts of the world, May is the month when "Mother's Day" comes around. This is a day to remember our mothers for their greatness -- and if they're still living, to express our appreciation to them personally.

Fortunately, greatness as a mother doesn't require a woman to have achieved many of the things that the world admires; "success" (at least in the usual sense) is simply not necessary. And that's a good thing because not many of our mothers had any realistic chance to make a mark that the world would notice. But oh, how they loved us! And if today we had little else in life but the love our mothers gave up their lives to give us, we'd still be wealthy, wouldn't we?

Reprinted from Gary Henry's Enthusiastic Ideas. You can subscribe to the daily motivational message here.