I grew up in the country in the midst of very simple surroundings; we had everything that we needed, but not the luxuries that some had.  During those years I accumulated a wealth of memories that do not revolve around things of material value, but of people and the impact that they had on my life.  Up at the top of the list are memories of time spent with my mother.

I remember running from her once as she was trying to give me a “whooping”, but I won’t go into further details there.  Just let me say that she caught me and things did not go according to my plans!  Thankfully there are other memories with outcomes of a much more pleasant nature.

I am nowhere near being a gourmet cook, but I am pretty handy in the kitchen and I believe that my children and grandchildren would attest that Papa can turn out a decent meal.  I attribute much of that to my mother.  Although she did not give me cooking lessons in a direct way, I learned a lot about country cooking simply by watching her.  I would spend time in the kitchen with her as we carried on good conversation while she cooked—and I watched.  Now, by following what I saw her do many years ago, I am able to turn out some worthwhile dishes. 

Even though she is elderly now, she still has her skills.  That was confirmed to me sometimes back when we went up for a visit with my parents.  I purposely did not call ahead of time to let her know we were coming in order to spare her from working so hard fixing for us, but that did not work–she cooked up a fine meal anyway.  Needless to say, it was delicious and I enjoyed it immensely!  We are planning to go up there again soon and chances are high that she will feed us good again even if we don’t announce our arrival in advance.

Not only did I observe her superb cooking skills, but I also observed her devotion to God and His Church over the years.  That, too, displays an outstanding example well worth following.  If anyone ever considered me to be one devoted to God through the study of His Word and time spent in prayer, I would, without hesitation, give the credit to my mother.  Her example of spiritual devotion had a huge positive impact on my life, for which I am most grateful.

I am blessed not only to have beheld and benefitted from the example of my mother, but I have also seen my wife and the mother of our children pouring her life and influence into our two girls, and now into our four grandchildren.  Not surprisingly, her influence extends to many other children as well who are not part of our natural family.  Gale’s example of love for God, family and church is one that is well worth observing and following.

Proverbs 1:8-9 gives vital instruction that would make our world a better one if every young person applied it:  “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.  They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck”  (New International Version).  That has certainly proven to be true for me.

As we observe Mother’s Day, let us not forget what a valuable asset godly mothers are to us as individuals and as a nation.  Abraham Lincoln was right when he said many years ago, “No one is poor who had a godly mother.”