Mothers' Day - Pastor's Pen for 11th May 2025

Mum at Nan's house in Manurewa, 1978

This weeks reading from Acts 9 got me thinking about Mother's Day I suppose. It concerns the miraculous raising of Tabitha; "She was devoted to good works and acts of charity." (v36) No doubt she would be on the committee of the APW if such a thing had existed in Joppa. She was a good sort, just got on with stuff and helped those in need.

The tired old generalization that still circulates regarding the number of words that women use in comparison to men, implying that women talk a lot, didn't apply in my family of origin. My father was the one with all the words, still is. A lot of words. My mother was the quiet one, just getting on with stuff, looking after the family and favouring solitary craft or puzzle based activities in her spare time. Her actions spoke louder. This hasn't changed much, even with memory loss affecting both my parents. The family story loops are just a lot shorter.

I suppose Mothers' Day is quite poignant for many of us, whether our mothers were bastions of practical love and ministry, or not. We often deal with loss, remembering the way things used to be. Nonetheless, there is always something to be thankful for, no matter our situation.

My heart was quite warmed this week, when I found out my son has hatched a plan to drive to Thames, where his other grandma lives, and to meet his mum there and take both out to lunch for Mothers' Day. This demonstrates a growth in thoughtfulness and maturity , for which I am so very thankful.

The best parts of Mothers' day remind us that God loves his people with an unconditional, parental concern: "For thus says the Lord:... As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem." (Isaiah 66:13) Shalom