(Gen 2:24) Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Maternal love is the strongest love in the world in terms of its depth and devotion. Just think of it, the woman carries the child in the womb, gives birth, and then becomes the main source of nurture for her offspring for years. Then overnight the child becomes a teenager and begins to pull away. This accelerates as time goes by. There is graduation and then off to college or the work force. Soon they will leave the nest and eventually there is marriage when the child leaves permanently (hopefully!). But a mother is always a mother.
I think of Mary, the mother of Jesus who is seen in the birth story: (Luke 2:7) And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Then we see Mary when Jesus was twelve years old: (Luke 2:42) And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.
After this we see Mary at the cross: (John 19:25) Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother . . .
Finally we see Mary in the upper room after the Lord’s resurrection and ascension: (Acts 1:14) These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus . . .
This final appearance of Mary in the New Testament shows me the incredible love she had for her son. I mean, here she was devoted to him even after His permanent departure from life. It also shows me a mother is always a mother. Oh yes, they eventually leave the home but they never leave the heart. What occupies a mother’s mind more than anything else? It’s her children. She’s always thinking about them. She’s wondering how they are doing. The cares of the children become her cares as well. She exults in her child’s successes and pines after her child’s struggles. She longs for the opportunity to be a part of her child’s life.
Since a mother is always a mother, what can she do when her kids are up and grown and on their own?
PRAY: (Eph 6:18) praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. You used to have them on your knees . . . now you are on your knees for them! Pray for their salvation, protection, and progression in life and in the faith of Christ.
STAY OUT OF THEIR WAY: (2 Chr 25:19) . . . Stay at home now; why should you meddle with trouble . . . ? It’s the hardest thing for a mom to do, and that is to restrain those motherly tendencies and the temptation to rescue or give unsolicited advice. They have to live and learn on their own, as experience is the best teacher.
ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE: (2 Tim 4:2) . . . Be ready in season and out of season . . . Adult children are always so busy. They probably should call and come by more often, but remember how caught up in life you were in a younger year. Be ready for that phone call or visit and especially when they need you and your help.
Your work isn’t over mom, because a mother’s work is never done and a mother is always a mother!
Louie