Sermon

Why? Because She Loves You!

Theme

Giving thanks for our mother's love

Object

A box of oatmeal, a book, a clock, a bottle of dishwashing detergent

Scripture

Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Proverbs 1:8

As you all know, today is Mother's Day. Today people honor their mothers and tell her how wonderful and special she is. I have brought several things this morning that remind me of my mother. I want to show them to you and tell you about my mother.

Oatmeal! My mother always insisted that I eat a well-rounded breakfast. Now, my idea of a well-rounded breakfast was a chocolate covered doughnut, but my mother did not agree! I always had to eat something like oatmeal, toast, and orange juice. Why? Because my mother loved me and wanted me to grow up to be strong and healthy.

Books! Some of my friends went home after school and watched cartoons on TV, but not me! My mom always insisted that I do my homework before I watched any TV. Why ? Because my mother loved me and she knew that a good education was one of the best things she could give me.

Clocks! I am reminded of my mother by a clock because she always insisted on knowing where I was every minute of the day. If I wanted to go to a friend's house after school, I always had to call my mom and ask for her permission and tell her where I was going to be and what I was going to be doing. Why? Because she loved me and wanted me to be safe.

Dishwashing detergent! I guess my mom never heard about child labor laws. She had this idea that every member of the family should chip in and help with the chores around the house. I had special jobs to do and I was expected to do them without being told. Why? Because my mother loved me and wanted me to learn that a happy family is one where everyone works together.

My mom isn't here anymore. She's in heaven. She probably has the angels dusting off the pearly gates and sweeping the golden streets! My mother was like that! Sometimes I thought I was being mistreated, but I wasn't. My mother did the things she did because she loved me and wanted what was best for me.

Father, we thank you for our mothers. Help us to remember that when we think our mother is mistreating us, she is just showing us how much she loves us. Amen.