More Important Than You Think

          Over the past few days I have asked several people what they would say if they were to preach the Mother’s Day Sermon. The overriding recommendation was “Tell them Thanks!” So, Thanks, Moms!  You might be interested in knowing that the last person I asked was a 96 year old bed-fast lady.

Peter Marshall was a famous preacher of many years ago. Among the stories he told is the one called, “The Keeper of the Springs.”

In this story he described a small town that sat at the base of a large mountain, protected by the mountain from the wintry blast from the north.

The town got its water from the many springs on the mountainside. As the clear, sparkling water from the springs coursed down the mountainside, it gathered enough momentum to turn the millwheels. The water then nourished the gardens and provided water for the fountains in the park. The water was kept pure by a dedicated city employee who stayed busy keeping the pools that form around springs free of the dead leaves, dirt and other debris that collects in water.

One year the budget was real tight, so the City Council had to cut some positions. Since no one ever saw the man clean the springs, it was assumed that this position could go.

Slowly, but surely, the water changed from sparkling clean to a dirty brown. The fountains and ponds in the park lost their beauty and the graceful swans left the park for cleaner water.

Homeowners noticed that their pumps did not work as well… and the contaminated water led to many people getting sick and dying. After a time the City Council realized their mistake, rehired the man, and things improved.

          Mothers, you are the keepers of the wellsprings in your child’s lives. The following reading by that great author, “Unknown” helps us understand:

Mom, there are so many moments when I wish you knew… How much you matter to me, and how much I thank you for being such a wonderful mother.

 

If there is happiness in my heart,

It’s because you helped put it there.

If there is gentleness in my beliefs,

It’s because you showed me how to care.

If there is understanding in my thinking,

It’s because you shared your wisdom.

If there is a rainbow over my shoulder,

It’s because of your outlook and you vision.

If there is knowledge that I can reach out and

I really can make some dreams come true,

It’s because I learned from the best teacher of all.

I learned… from you.

 

In the times of my life, whether we are near or far,

Please remember, Mom, that there could never be any mother more wonderful…than the one you are.

 

I suspect that every mom knows she faces an impossible task without the help of many, many others! We all need parents, grandparents, siblings, schools, churches, and the community as a whole. Even the loners in life will call the Ministerial Alliance for a helping hand… I know, for I get to pay the bills!

If a young couple only focuses on the tasks of rearing children, it will drive them crazy… diapers cost a fortune, and after being used… well… they stink! Babies throw up, get sick, and cry when you want to take a nap. Young children can mess up a house faster than anyone can clean it up. But you know the drill…. Work, work, work! Spend, spend, and spend!

And why do we do it? Our reward is the smile from our baby - a hug from the child, and the promise of a great future for your family.

As I prepared for today’s message I was startled by today’s scripture: “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”  Proverbs 17:6

I guess I had forgotten that message – I know that through the years I have read Proverbs many, many times. But the other evening, that scripture really hit me!

In our society many parents have fallen into the trap of living out their lives through their children. They pressure their offspring to enter the profession that they wanted to enter themselves – thus people become doctors or ministers, not because they want to but because their family pushed them into it.

But God is telling parents that we should live lives that our children can be proud of!

Just when I had started thinking I could relax and become a grumpy old man God tells me to

Shape up!

Set an example!

Make your children proud!  

 

Wilhelm Busch wrote,

“(Mutter) warden ist nitch schwer;

(Mutter) sein dagegen schr.”

Translation:

“To become a mother is not so difficult;

On the other hand, being a mother is very much so!

MOMS:  Never underestimate the power of your godly example!  

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Christianity is under attack these days; however the attacks are not new.  There is no reason to be paranoid – rather we need to be faith-filled and obedient. God is totally committed to our success as Christians!

Let’s close simply by thanking God for our mothers… and asking God for ways to encourage moms in our community… and asking God to help us partner with moms rather than criticizing them.