Mommy Did It
Recently, in the checkout aisle of the grocery store, I heard a crash as a spaghetti sauce jar hit the floor. Then, I heard a small voice say, "Mommy did it!" To that Mother's credit she never said a word. Some would have yelled, blamed their child and made a larger commotion than was necessary. Since Mother's Day is coming up, let's review in our minds exactly what Mommy did for us.
"Mommy" did it. She is the one who protected the life within her until she could give birth to you. Mommy was the one who risked her own life to bring you into the world. She nursed and fed you when you were unable to care for yourself. Who was it that changed your dirty diapers and kept you clean by giving you baths? Mommy did it! "But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children." (1 Thessalonians 2:7 NKJV)
"Mama" is the name of the one you would call on when you needed anything. Mama cooked every meal in your home when growing up. Waking up in the night, after having a nightmare, Mama is the one for whom you cried out. When frightened by thunder and storms, Mama was there to remind you that they would soon pass. Mama doctored your cuts and bruises. Oh, the comfort with which she could soothe us. Who got up during the night when you had an earache or an upset stomach? Mama did! Who cleaned up the broken glass or the spilled milk? Mama did! Mama also served as judge and arbiter when your brothers and sisters said, "I'm going to tell Mama." Mama did the cleaning of the house and the washing of the clothes. "She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness." (Proverbs 31:27)
"Mom" was the name you called as you came into the house after school. She listened to you as you told about your day. Who helped you with your homework? Mom did. Mom was the one who took you and your friends to school functions and scout meetings. Mom was the one who taught you to be polite and say "please" and "thank you." Mom was the one who did the extra work so that you could dress in your Sunday best and go to worship. She was the one who taught you the value of giving on the Lord's Day. Mom made sure that you understood the rules about not lying, stealing, or cursing. "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother." (Proverbs 1:8) You knew that if you asked, "Mom, can you iron my shirt?", she would always answer, "Yes". "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." (Proverbs 31:28)
As an adult, you refer to her to others by "Mother". "Mother is doing well." You may ask her, "Mother, what would you do?" since her good advice and counsel are still as dependable as they were when you were young. Mother volunteers at the hospital and does sewing for others. "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." (Proverbs 31:26) Mother amazingly does all these things and much more. Mother does it all because she loves you. All she ever wants is your love, respect and an occasional act of gratitude!