Birth Days

I wonder how many people take time to think about their mothers on their birthdays. Today is my husband John's birthday and I'm taking time to think about his mother. There would be no birthday without a birth day and a mother laboring hours for a baby. Thank you, Donna. I'm thankful for your hard work 61 years ago.

"To the woman God said, 'I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you'" (Genesis 3:16 NIV).

John's mother was a lovely and very private person and unfortunately I don't remember any stories she shared about that day. She was a dedicated and loving mother and she had great pride in her children and grandchildren. John was the second born and had a loving big sister who helped lead him through childhood.

Birth days are unforgettable to mothers. The experience is so powerful and the process so painful that the memory seldom fades away, except for the pain part. It's surprising how quickly we forget the pain and move on to delight in the precious life God has given us. Life began on the birth day and it's no wonder we celebrate such a blessed event each year, at least as children and until adulthood. Mothers remember the special days but as adults there comes a point when birthdays don't seem so special any more. Instead they are reminders of growing older. Then around 80 the birthdays become days to celebrate once more!

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" (1 John 3:1 NIV).