Even in the midst of a worldwide pandemic and sheltering in place, this Sunday, May 10, America will forget all that and pause for at least a few moments to honor our mothers on Mother’s Day. A uniquely American holiday, it is entirely appropriate that we do this for there is no other human relationship which comes close to illustrating the love God has for us than does a mother’s love for her child or children.
We take for granted sometimes the providential grace God extended humanity by ordering and structuring society into the context of family love and care. It’s no wonder the Bible couches the language of the kingdom of God in the relationships of mother, father, brother, and sister.
This has been captured well in the lyrics of a song by Twila Paris. It’s called “More Than I Can Say”.
The one who makes the children is watching from above
He placed you in a family so that you could know His love
A mother and a father to hold you here on Earth
But He was with you long before the moment of your birth.
And if you don’t have a mother He will sing you lullabies
And He’ll be right beside you everyday
When you’re all alone at night in bed
If you feel like crying it’s okay
He will wipe all your tears away.
The one who hears the children has known you from the start
He placed you in a family so that you can feel His heart
A mother and a father to keep you safe and warm
But He was with you long before the day that you were born.
And if you don’t have a daddy, He will be your father too
And He will always keep you in His sight
And when it gets too dark to stay ahead
And you can’t find your way, it will be all right
He will be your guiding light.
He loves you more than I can say, and He is always taking care of you
He loves you more than I can say, and more than I can say
He hopes that you will love Him too.
