On this day, Mother’s Day, I always think of a verse in the epistle of Paul to Timothy. The chapter includes some instructions to the young pastor about caring for widows and it is in the middle of this that Paul writes in regard to women as “known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children” (1 Timothy 5:10, NIV).

That seemingly casual reference is a huge insight into how God perceives motherhood. What we have here is a direct mention in God’s Word that motherhood is a worthy, meaningful, important deed.

A life dedicated to “bringing up children” is not one that is wasted or misspent. You may have wavered in that dedication or had moments of regret in that process, but motherhood is a noble calling and the grace of God is powerful enough to make up for our human shortcomings.

I am also aware of the grief accented on this day for those who are unable to have children, the mothers whose children have died, the mothers whose children are incarcerated, and the mothers who no longer share hugs or communication with children who have gone wayward.

We live in an imperfect world where sin has marred God’s ideal, but the day is fast approaching when all will be made new again, where sin will cease, and relationships will be healed.

So to the mother’s heart who have done the “good deeds” of “bringing up children” and who grieve the unfulfillment of those efforts, trials, and love – to you all I say, Happy Mother’s Day!