“My son…forsake not your mother’s teaching.” (Proverbs 6:20) I recently read a statement that said, “Eventually, we all quote our Mom.” I believe there is a lot of truth in that, for as the years go by, I find myself quoting both parents. The words of wisdom from our parents have a way of frustrating us when we are young, and teaching us wisdom when we get older. The voices of bygone years are as fresh as the morning dew in the paintings of our memory.
This coming Sunday is Mother’s Day. It is always a week of pleasant reflection as we think of the sacrifices our mother’s gave for our well being. After all, before the world laid its eyes upon us, our mothers had a nine month head start by experiencing our growth. I think it could be said that even though the doctor removes the umbilical cord, we always seem to remain attached throughout life. I think the Lord made it that way.
Our children even get to experience the wisdom and teachings of our mothers. I remember when our boys were young, they loved to go to Mamaw Yvonne’s for her black-eyed peas, cornbread, and macaroni and cheese. Of course, if you are not a hundred pounds overweight, mom thought you needed to go to the co-op and get a worm pill. It did not matter what was wrong with you, she felt a good meal was the cure-all for what ails you. This even applied to her animals.
On this particular day, her dog would not eat. So, mom made the statement in front of the boys that she was going to take the dog to the vet and have it put to sleep because it wouldn’t eat. Well, Joseph, my middle son, saw a great opportunity to pounce upon Joel, his youngest brother. Joel’s stomach was full from snacks and he was not hungry. Joseph whispered to him, “Joel, you better eat or Mamaw will have you put to sleep.” With wide eyes and fear, Joel swallowed every last pea and macaroni, all out of the fear of being put to sleep at the vet’s office. And Joel knew this to be the truth because he heard his grandmother say it about the dog.
The words of mothers, and grandmothers carry extra weight. Others may lead us astray, but not mom! Solomon knew this and the Lord gave great instructions for us to take heed to what our mother’s teach. Out of their deep sacrifice and unalterable love for their children, mothers will spare no expense to make sure their children, and grandchildren, are taken care of.
Many reading this wish they could hear their mother’s instruction and words of wisdom one more time. Some of us are still fortunate that we can. Let all of us be thankful for godly mothers. And unless she is talking about putting the dog asleep…you need to obey!
