A Child's Dilema
One morning, when I was six or seven years old, I was eating Rice Krispies for breakfast with my parents. I must have been eating slowly because, as it tends to do, the Rice Krispies cereal became very soggy in the milk. I was no longer interested in eating it, and I tried to leave the table. My father objected and said firmly that I couldn't leave until I had eaten all the cereal.
The Waiting Game
Then began the long waiting game; I just sat there paralyzed, knowing that there was no way I could put another spoonful of that mush in my mouth.
It was me against Dad, with Mom watching the drama unfold. Eventually though, my Dad had to leave the room for a moment.
Mom, My Savior
That's when Mom sprang into action. Understanding that I would probably die before I would eat that cereal, and that Dad would never give in, she took the bowl of pulp and ate it herself. As I viewed that display of love I was so happy. I was free! My Dad could keep me prisoner no longer! When he returned, Dad accepted that the cereal was eaten and I was delivered..
Laid Down Life
A mother's love is probably the closest thing on earth to the love of God. Just as my Mom did for me what I couldn't do, Christ came to earth and became a servant to us. He became obedient to death on a cross so that we could be free from the penalty of sin. My Mom did something that to her, I'm sure, was not pleasant, so that I would not have to suffer any longer. Just as my Dad accepted that the cereal was gone, our Heavenly Father accepts that our sins are gone because Jesus paid for them by dying in our place.
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the spirit" (1 Peter 3:18).
Remembering Mom
My mother is no longer with us, but I will always remember that day as well as other times when she put her needs aside to serve mine.
"Thanks, Mom! You showed me the love of Christ through your constant example of sacrifice and protection. You were there when nobody else was.
"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." (Proverbs 31:30)
Go out of your way today to praise your mother. Give her a call, make a visit. Remember, she loves you.
