Reflection on my mother

Submitted by Valerie Donat

My mum is one of the strongest people I know. She has carried my family together through sunshine and rain, joy and pain. I wish I fully understood how much she did for us when I was younger, but I suppose that’s the benefit of hindsight and growing up. The older I get, the more I understand my mum and appreciate who she is and what she has done and continues to do for me and my family. And the older I get, I am also finding I am running out of words to express how much I love and admire such an incredible woman.

What do I say about my mum, about mothers that hasn’t already been said before? Poems have been recited, songs have been performed. Movies have been filmed, and books have been written. Thousands of cards have been designed and signed, and they all celebrate all what mothers do for us.

They are our personal teachers, shoppers, nurses, chefs, chauffeurs, our banks, entertainers, cleaners, driving instructors, guidance counsellors, prayer intercessors, biggest cheerleaders and president of our fan club. Mothers Day is about pausing and celebrating these women who do so much and a little bit more for their children, their families and all the adopted children along the way. Blood mothers and mother figures alike.

However, the celebrations are not just about what they do. It’s about who they are. When I think of a mother, and in particular my mum, certain characteristics come straight to mind. Wisdom. Strength. Courage. Diligence. The wisdom to guide and instruct, to know what to say and when not to say it. The strength to do what is right, even if it doesn’t seem like it. The ability to comfort and be gentle, but not be afraid to give a cheeky quick-as-lightning backhand when we’re out of line. The courage to encourage, when I’m sure they are just as uncertain and nervous of the future as we are. And their diligence at what they do makes it seem like they have more than 2 arms and 2 legs and know how to manipulate time.

One of my favourite Bible passages, and something I strive to be, is the woman of noble character in Proverbs 31. And very often mothers are like that woman:

· She is worth far more than rubies

· Their husbands and partners generally have full confidence in them

· She wakes early (either by choice or by teething children) and provides for her family

· She clothes her family and those in need

· She is clothed with strength and speaks with wisdom, laughing at the days to come (and her kids bad jokes)

· She is called blessed by her family.

Mothers and mother-figures shape children to be who they are, and thus have an influence on society much greater than most realise. Ultimately, mothers teach us about God and His undying, unconditional love for us. No matter what we do or where we go in life, we know God will still love us as our mothers do. And just like our mothers sacrifice their bodies for a time period (sometimes for many years) to bring us life, so it is the same with God - who sacrificed His Son to give us life.

My mum has had an immeasurable impact on my life and has shaped me into the woman I am today. I am so grateful that God has blessed me with her, and if someday I can be half the mother and wife she is, I think I’ll be doing alright.

I’m no longer just thanking my mum for what she did and does for me, I am now celebrating who she is. May we continue to celebrate the women around us for their love, support, wisdom, prayers and life lessons. May we remind them of their magic when they seem tired or worn down. May we uplift them, express our thankfulness and gratitude and tell them how appreciated and valued they are.

Over the years, poems have been recited, songs have been performed. Movies have been filmed, and books have been written. Thousands of cards have been designed and signed, and they all celebrate all what mothers do for us.

But Proverbs 31:30 says, “Her children arise and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you, our mothers, surpass them all.”

Valerie and her mum Glynis

Valerie Donut lives in Sydney, NSW with her family. She works as an environmental consultant, though she secretly loves interior design and home-making. She currently serves in worship and youth ministries, and is loving navigating (and talking about) the good and bad of this new season of young adulthood.