GPBC Blog

By Laurel Nordlund --

Over the years, I’ve been mom and grandma to my own family and extended family. At various intervals, God has also brought into my home foster children, neighborhood children, international students, and anyone who needed a holiday invitation. Many, to my delight, have called me mom or grandma. I know this is also true for many of you who have stepped into the needs of children throughout your lives.

Some of you have never had children of your own, but you’ve been a mom or grandma figure as you’ve reached out in Jesus’ name and given freely of yourselves to little ones who have crossed your path. Others of you, because of separation from your own family, have adopted moms or grandmas. For many of us, our moms are no longer with us. Overall, emotions around Mother’s Day are mixed; life is never a Hallmark card, although it is nice to receive one.

On my walk in the neighborhood today, I passed a sign honoring those who are serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve all deepened our appreciation of first responders, heath care workers, and all the people who are bringing food to our tables. They deserve our honor. They fall in the category of “essential businesses.” Their job descriptions have expanded, and they’ve accepted the challenge.

There is one big category of essential businesses that is missing on all the lists: Moms. Moms are first responders and heath care workers who also put food on the table every day. Their job description defies definition. Simply stated, it’s do whatever is set before you. Moms have all lost those segments of time in their days when school is in session or other activities occupy the kids. They’re on for 24 hours every day. Wow, moms. How do you do it?

This beautiful characteristic that we witness in moms is also a core value that we see in Jesus. He, too, responds to whatever is set before Him 24 hours every day. He knows and understands the drill moms face each day, and He is standing near and available to be the Sustainer for each and every mom. If we’ll pause and listen, He will whisper tenderly in our ears, I made you in My image. When My Spirit is controlling your mind, you are filled with Life and Peace. Fix your eyes on Me, and see the light of My Presence shining on you. I take great delight in you. I rejoice over you with singing. (Gen. 1:26-27, Rom. 8:6, Heb.12:2, Ps. 89:15, Zep. 3:17)

God is for you, moms. He is on your team. We, too, salute you today! Imagine signs on the road, people applauding you from their windows and a great big THANK YOU from all your benefactors. That is God’s heart for you.

Happy Mother's Day!