Happy Mother's Day!

Unfortunately I am without excuse in the tardiness of this post; however, I firmly believe mothers can and should be honored without fail each and every day.  As a result, here I am to honor my mother.  She and I haven't always had smooth sailing in our relationship as our approach to life is vastly different from one another.  Over the years, as we both matured and decided to choose our battles, our mother-son relationship has vastly improved.  At various time she has been the sole supporter of her son, when no one but her would tolerate the behavior I exhibited.  Believe me, she had plenty of opportunity and reason to disown me or place me at arm's length.  She did so at varying degrees on occasion, but always took me back into the fold of the family.  I was a tornado in people's lives for many years.  While incarcerated, she faithfully wrote me on a weekly, if not daily, basis offering support and encouragement.  In addition, she always made sure I had money for commissary.  Within the last five years, she continues to prod me into looking for God's Will and the positive impact of circumstances in everything I experience.  In essence, she is a Proverbs 31 woman.  In conclusion, I challenge each and every son and daughter to take advantage of the valuable time you can spend with your mother.  One day she will be gone, and you won't be able to spend time with her then.  Value and honor her daily, not simply on Mother's Day.  To my mother, "Happy Mother's Day!  I love you!"

Proverbs 31

A wife (mother) of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband (son) has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

She gets p while it is still dark: she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.