Yesterday was Mother's Day and I had the privilege of delivering the Mother's Day message at my church - what a privilege and honor. It also prevented me from writing something here to honor all of you mom's out there. First, even though it's a day late, let me say Happy Mother's Day! Thank you for answering the call to motherhood, regardless of how you got here. Preparing to preach certainly gave me ample time to reflect on my own mother and mother-in-law and to be reminded of how grateful I am for these two women and the influence they have had on my life. My mom when to be with Lord eleven years ago, so my mother-in-law has been my mother for the past dozen years or so.

My message was titled, "The Heart of a Mother" and in it I made three made points (because of course all good sermons have 3 main points ). The first was you are uniquely wired by God with 'The Heart of a Mother'. What a gift mom's are to the rest of the world. When I think of my own kids and the level of nurturing and attention to detail that Kelli brings to our parenting it's absolutely amazing to me. I know all women are different, but by and large it is undeniable that when God's word says that He made them male and female - He also gifted moms to be moms.

The second point was 'The Heart of a Mother' brings joy -to those they mother as well as to the mother herself. Mother's day is a happy day for most people. Unfortunately for some it can be a sad day - because of a recent loss, because of a challenging journey as a mother or a child, or because of the inability to have a child. The joy is real for mothers which of course makes the pain real for those that haven't yet been able to be a mom. However, it doesn't change the reality - 'The Heart of a Mother'  brings joy.

The third point was 'The Heart of a Mother' is to be esteemed. At the risk of being misunderstood, I feel strongly that those of us my age and above have done a crummy job championing the covenant of marriage. Unfortunately the fallout is that today, more and more young people are growing up not believing in marriage and family. I think one of the most glaring areas of failure in this has been that of esteeming wives and mothers. I know every family's situation is different - but regardless of our individual family choice we must be united as a Christian culture in honoring and esteeming the role of wives and mothers. It saddens me when I hear stay at home moms feeling like they have to apologize for not doing something "important" with their lives. The message I want our kids to hear is this... someday there will be a woman sitting in the oval office (I know one could only hope!). When that day comes, if she is a mom - her role as mom is the one she is uniquely wired for, that brings her joy and that brings her honor and esteem.

Taking a walk with my favorite mom on Mother's Day!

Finally, can I just say we love you moms - it's no secret that Hallmark sells almost twice as many cards on Mother's day as it does on Father's day. While that statistic is sad, it's not surprising. You moms out there are amazing and we are so grateful for each one of you. Please be encouraged in this season you are in. I'll end with the counsel that I heard Kelli give a young mother several years ago when she called in tears. This young mother had read all the books but her baby wasn't doing what the books said he should be doing. Much of this applies to all of you...

“put away all the books, get to know your child, you know way more than you think you do, you can do this, relax, enjoy him, rock him, hold him, bond with that sweet baby God has given you. We will work on (you can fill in the blank) later.”

Father-God - thank you for these dear sweet moms out there. I pray your blessing on each one of them. May they know how uniquely wired they are to be a mom, may they experience the joy of mothering, and my they feel  just how esteemed they are by you and so many of us in their role of mother. In the name of Jesus - AMEN