Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke

Children are filled with new accomplishments. They learn to roll over, to wave good-bye, to speak those first words like Ma-Ma, or Da-Da. They gain enough strength to roll over, or to take those all-important first steps.

 Everything is new so they are filled with energy and excitement. One minister was walking with a small child and suddenly heard her say, “Just a moment.” Who taught her about moments? Very young children seem to know nothing about time. Why do I have to hurry? What is early, or late, to a child? Their world amplifies the present – that is everything to them. They ignore the past, are unaware of the future and filled with right now! They want to go, to stay, to eat, to play or whatever fills their present. What young school child thinks of summer’s end when playing with friends in June?

The Bible answers the question of, “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14). Our life is but a moment of time.

Being aware of the swiftness of our lives, we should realize that quickly our future becomes our past. Your youth left so fast that you find yourself grappling with the issues your parents were facing just a few years ago.

You wondered about education, your career, a family. Now, so many decisions have been made and you are watching the things of your future become the past.

In just a few years the complete story of your life will have been told. What will you have done with the moments of life granted to you by the Lord?

We are approaching another Mother’s Day. What have you done with those of the past?

Did you visit or at least call her? Ask those who no longer have Mom with them and see if they would like another chance to show her love and appreciation. Ask if they would cherish another opportunity to spend time with her. Many will probably visit a grave site this year for Mother’s Day, memories flooding their broken hearts.

Some will perhaps apologize for harsh words or feelings.

Don’t miss a moment with your Mom this year, sharing love and warm memories. I pray your relationship with Mom will always be a good one. Happy Mother’s Day!