I had the great privilege of having a wonderful mother. She was strong, able, resourceful, determined, yet meek and unassuming. She taught me more through example than advice. She was an anchor which kept me from straying too far in those tenuous days when I was working out who I was and my place in the world. I see her reflected in many of my good qualities and none of my bad inclinations. I miss her. And I thank God for her.

I am also blessed to be married to a great mother to our four children. When I think about Michelle, my wife, and her qualities as a mother, I Corinthians 13.4-8 comes to mind:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

While this passage is not a definition of motherhood, it does suitably define the two mothers I have seen up close and the many I have witnessed from afar.

One of the blessings I experience in working at TIGS is to come into contact with parents and carers who are deeply invested in the wellbeing of their children. TIGS mums in particular are a delight to behold and a force to be reckoned with! Here are just some of the qualities I observe in TIGS mothers when it comes to the education of their children:

TIGS mums are interested, informed, engaged, dedicated, determined and resourceful; they are great champions of and role models for their children. TIGS children are truly blessed to have such great mums.

Surely the greatest endorsement of motherhood is how God uses a mother’s care to describe his disposition towards his people. An example is Isaiah 66.13. Here God promises his people he will comfort them as surely as a mother comforts her child.  

I want to celebrate all mothers this week. God knew we needed you and that’s why he made you a critical part of his good order. I hope this weekend you are honoured and treasured. You certainly deserve it. Happy Mothers’ Day!