May 12, 2007 by Stacy McDonald
Mama’s Hands
Like many American holidays celebrated today, Mother’s Day has a speckled history that includes everything from pink carnations, breakfast at IHOP, and “Hallmark Moments” to idol worship, feminism, and pacifism.
However, to most of us it is simply a day when we purpose to communicate to our mothers our love for them and to let them know how much we appreciate all they have done for us over the years. This may include cards, gifts, or a special dinner.
While these things are loving gestures and wonderful expressions of affection and gratitude, should there be more to it? Although we can call a day “Mothers Day” or “Father’s Day” we know that every day belongs to the Lord. And since we mothers, just like everyone else, are insignificant in the light of His glory, how can we make sure we redirect the praise toward Him—the only one who truly deserves it?
God created mothers and called them to a sacred purpose for His own intention and glory—so maybe herein lies the answer. Perhaps we should redeem the questionable beginning of this holiday and use it to glorify God; reminding mothers to press on!
Instead of simply sending mothers greeting cards that tell them how much me-time they deserve on this particular day, perhaps we should take this opportunity to cheer them on to the finish line as well! Thank them for their faithfulness and point them to the generations ahead—the future generations they’re serving as they teach their children Scripture, change diapers, grade math papers, wash dishes, clean toilets, and kiss boo-boos. Give them the inspiration and extra boost to keep going.
Moms, remember that your own strength won’t get you through this – your strength is limited and will soon be exhausted. God’s strength kicks in when you realize yours is spent. Thank Him for it. When days seem long and sleep seems short, remember that eternity is longer and it is childhood that is short.
God is so good and in His great wisdom He places each child with the mother of His choice. As some of you may know, I was adopted. My parents adopted me when I was two years old; a child with spina bifida, numerous medical problems, and staggering doctor bills. Thank you, Mom (and Dad for that matter!). I am grateful for God’s providence and for the years of love and care you invested in my life. I love you so much!
In God’s sovereignty He gave each mother a role to play in my life and I am grateful for each. In 1987, by God’s providence, He brought my birth family into my life. However, my birth mother had already passed from this life years earlier (ironically on Mother’s Day); I never had the chance to thank her for giving me the gift of life. In God’s mercy, I was able to thank her mother, my grandmother, and have grown to love her and the rest of my birthfamily as if we had never been separated. I am grateful for this precious gift as well. I love you, Grandma Betty!
To all you moms out there who have faithfully raised your children in the Lord, I praise God for you. Please come alongside the young moms in the church and point them to the finish line.
For those moms who have adopted little ones (or big ones!) and are struggling through unique challenges because of it, I rejoice in your love and obedience to God! Thank you for opening your homes and your hearts to those precious little gifts.
And to those moms who are continuing in your sacred quest to faithfully serve God by training up those precious blessings even now, I want to personally thank you for your continued faithfulness. For those who are weary, pregnant, or nursing, remember this season is shorter than you think. Thank you for serving God and serving your family. This poem is for all of you…
Mama’s Hands
By Stacy McDonald
God fashioned her with smaller hands,
So she would know His strength.
He made for her a weaker frame,
When measured by her length.
Her skin is soft compared to man’s,
So her baby’s face should feel
Her velvet touch and gentle kiss
When looking for his meal.
Her “mama voice” knows the songs
Her babies like to hear.
She needn’t sing a single word,
Soft humming keeps them near.
When naughtiness is stirred within
Her little ones at play
Her “mama hand” trains them well,
then teaches them to pray.
At times the days seem oh so long
And fear and doubt attack
And schooling seems to not get done
And household chores just stack.
Skeptics sing their siren song,
Wooing from the street,
Tempting her to forsake her call
And for self glory seek.
Yet, one glimpse upon her little ones
And she sees beyond the day
The shaping of the little souls
Where generations lay
Changing a diaper with holy hands
And wiping a messy face—
Are all part of the tapestry,
This masterpiece of grace
Happy is the godly mother,
Who sees within her child
The gift of His eternal peace
A tamed heart that was wild.
The storms of life fret her not
She smiles at the wind
She knows from Whom her strength will come,
His mercy never ends
God fashioned her with smaller hands,
So she would know His strength.
He made for her a weaker frame,
When measured by her length.
This morning, my four-year-old daughter, Emma knocked on the bathroom door. I said, “Yes?”
She said, “Mama, I want to give you a kiss and tell you Mother’s Happy Day!”
I think I like that name better. Instead of “Mother’s Day,” a day that is “ours,” perhaps we should have a “happy day” where we happily remember what a blessing motherhood truly is!
Thank you, Emma; it truly is your mother’s “Happy Day!”
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4 Responses to “Mama’s Hands”
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stacy,
I just fell upon your blog…. I have been blessed…. your thoughts I echoed mine on mother’s day…. it is a day to thank the Lord for His help and grace in helping us raise HIS children! All glory and honor be His ~ how thankful I am to be his handmaiden……
Blessings,
gloria
Stacy, I didn’t know you were adopted. I’m an adoptive mummy and so thankful for the fact that our son’s birth family preserved and honoured his life and gave him so much love.
I have a similar idea of mother’s day – ours is in March – and it is a happier day for me when I expect less and give more. Being a mother after years of not being one is gift enough for me :o)
ps – I’ve known of you for years, since I was on the PW list about 6 years ago. It’s so nice to find your blog :o)
Stacy,
I am one of those young mothers who so desperately need for older moms who have been there and done that to “come alongside the young moms in the church and point them to the finish line.” I am so unworthy of God’s blessings, yet He has brought my hubby and me and our children to such a church where there are those older women who can guide and encourage. Last Sunday, it was wonderful to see the women still make the fellowship lunch, despite the fact that the world tells them to take the day off and to be served.
To serve those whom we love and have been charged with to serve uncoditionally, what a blessing.
Even though I have been having a rough couple of weeks, where I feel little strength and have emotions charged, I know that God’s strength is the strength that will “get me through.” Not mine. If only I could remember that as I struggle with disciplining and training my little ones. :-)
God bless you, Stacy, for encouraging me!
In His Grace,
Mama Russell
Stacy, I love your poetic and fiction/analogy writing like no one's business :)