Encouragement for Life

Mother’s Day is a bittersweet day for me. My mom is no longer with me. She joined the heavenly realm in May of 2014.  Besides that, my dear husband, who always made Mother’s Day special for me, also went to be with Jesus in June of 2015.  Though it’s sometimes difficult to get through special days, I try to remember special times when they were still living here on earth.  You may be one who also has only memories for Mother’s Day.  My prayer is that you are leaning on God for courage and strength to go on even when it is hard. 

I have many memories, of course, but I want to share a couple with you.  My mom loved music and when I was quite young, I took piano lessons from a lady that lived a few miles away. If I remember correctly, Miss Daisy charged fifty cents per lesson.  We attended a small country church at that time and there was no one to play the piano. I assume that was part of the plan in giving me lessons. There would be someone to play for church services. 

As I progressed and learned to play hymns, my mom would ask me to play at home for her to sing. I remember many times not having the best attitude about it. How I regret that now. I don’t remember refusing to do it when she asked, but inside I was thinking about what I would rather do. I wish I could play for her again. 

One Sunday at church my mom suggested that I play one of the songs. I was finally persuaded to do it when my mom said, “I won’t sing if you don’t play.” I’m not sure why that convinced me to play, but I agreed.  I’m so glad I did. That first song as a church pianist was “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us”. 

I often think about the appropriateness of that hymn being the introduction to being a church pianist. A large part of my younger life was doing just that. Over the years, I have learned to love my Shepherd more and more. He has never failed to lead me when I asked for His help.  I have not always been obedient to my Shepherd, but, oh how thankful I am for His forgiveness. 

So, this Mother’s Day, love on your mom like never before, if she’s still with you. And if she is not, remember you have a Shepherd, a Savior, Jesus Christ who will never leave you, but will always lead you if you are willing.  Lean on His strength and comfort. 

“He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:3b).