May is a wonderful month of celebrating spring, Mother’s Day, nurses and teachers. I feel like God nurtures us by sending the spring season of warm sun, flowers, green grass and gentle rain, new baby animals, and the rich smell of the earth being plowed and planted. All of these things give us hope for the future.
Not The Traditional Mother's Day Message.
This blog post is not the traditional ode to mothers everywhere. Don’t get me wrong; I loved my mother, and I have the utmost regard and respect for biological mothers. As James Whitcomb Riley said in his poem, "Little Orphan Annie,” “You’d better mind yer parents, an’ yer teachers fond and dear, an’ churish them ‘at loves you....” I don’t think the goblins will get us but I do think God would be very disappointed if we don’t love and respect all the people in our lives that nurture and love us. This includes mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, siblings, nurses, teachers, pastors, friends…the list is endless.
As a woman that never had the opportunity to have children and whose mother passed away many years ago, I often struggle with Mother's Day. However, God always knows what is best. As Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you…” I have to be willing to listen to and appreciate what He has planned for me. So for those of you who have not been blessed with your own children, listen up and be aware of the motherly image you present to others every day of your life. You have nurtured and blessed more people than you will ever know. You are someone’s favorite aunt, teacher, nurse, step-mother, neighbor, friend, mentor, or mother image who has loved, encouraged, and prayed for them without reservation. It has taken me many years to realize and accept God’s plan, but thankfully He is a very loving and persistent God.
So this month of May as you honor your mothers, teachers and nurses, don’t forget those women in your life who love you unconditionally and are not biologically related to you. They also pray for you, attend the special events in your life and encourage you to succeed.
This was written to honor Mary Jane Wadman (my mother), Martha Sylvester and Caroline Peyton (my aunts), Ruth Burk and Sue Wills. I loved and cherished each one of them for the blessings they were in my life.
Nancy Wadman
Nancy is currently the Interim Ministry Coordinator for Spiceland Friends Church. She has been a member at SFC for 23 years and loves her church family! She retired from Tri Elementary School in 2014 after teaching 6th grade for 39 years. In her free time, Nancy loves to travel and walk the trails at Summit Lake with her dog, Gracie!