Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church

Where is the year going?  Already we are ready to enter that fifth month of 2009 that we call May.  The month is filled with May flowers that follow the April showers of life.  May is a month that’s filled with anticipation for Memorial Day activities that seem to announce the beginning of family vacations as many families prepare for the end of the school year.  Let’s not forget that on the third Saturday in May is Armed Forces Day.  Armed Forces day is a day for us to salute and honor all the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces and protect our freedom to live in the United States of America.  But there’s more……..  Let us not forget Mother’s Day on May 10!  On this day we celebrate motherhood generally and the positive contributions of mothers to society.

As we journeyed through Lent, I was reminded of the love Jesus had for his mother as demonstrated on the cross. 

“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary, the wife of Clopas,
and Mary Magdalene.  When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved
standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple,
‘Here is your mother.’  From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”
John 19: 25-27

As Jesus remembered his earthly mother, we see a beautiful picture of the family of God, as the disciple opens his home to Mary.  In the same way, many people have been blessed by having someone other than their biological mother be a mother figure.  It may have been a neighbor, a Sunday School teacher, or a relative who has loved us as though we were part of the family.  How blessed many of us have been!

Pauline was my neighbor who opened her heart and home to me during my childhood.  I learned so much from her -- and through her, I experienced many wonderful moments.  Pauline was there when my Mom and Dad were working.  Every Sunday, we went to see the progress of the Norman Wood Bridge during its construction over the river.  We listened to the Baltimore Orioles on the radio, went to go-cart races, went to the Collinsville Discount Store, and I could go on and on.  It was as though I was part of the family.  For that, I am grateful and give thanks for all that I learned and received!

The mother’s heart is the child’s schoolroom.
Henry Ward Beecher (1813–1887)

On Mother’s Day, May 10, I encourage you to give thanks to your biological mother and the women of faith that have been like a mother to you.  Send them a card, give them flowers, take them out for dinner, but be sure to say thank you!  O, yes -- don’t forget to thank God too!!!

Happy Mother’s Day! 

Blessings,
Pastor Dennis