Thoughts for the Day

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord[ has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

In Great Britain, today is 'Mothering Sunday' (you may have a different 'Mother's Day' depending on where you live!). It's a day when we stop and thank God for those who brought us up - whoever they might be! Every year of my ministry I was so aware that when I was running the Parish(es) or Deanery, it was my husband, Adrian, who was caring for so much in the family!

Our reading today comes from the Letter to the Colossians. It teaches us that we are behave to others with "compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience". These are skills we often see in those who care for us when we are young. Just think of all such a person has done for you, and may still do for you:

They sat up with you at night when you were ill, or listened to all your woes, or taught you something of faith.

They ran around after you when you were tiny to make sure you were safe, or made sure you got to every club or hobby as a teenager.

They took you on holiday, or out walking or climbing (even when it was raining!), and gave up many things for you.

They rescued you when you fell in the mud, or cleaned up all your mess, or took you to school week in and week out.

Today, thank God for your Mum (or other person) even if they are no longer around.

Heavenly Father,
thank you for our mother, (or ...........?)
for all their love;
for the way they showed that love to us;
for the way they protected
and nurtured us;
and for all that they gave us.
Amen.