Hold Their Hearts Forever

Matthew 20:20-23
Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
“What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
“We can,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”

There is a quote I like about being a mom. “Mother’s hold their children’s hands for just a little while and their hearts forever.” This old Irish proverb speaks the truth about motherhood. When my daughter’s were small, it was easy to hold their hand and guide them. But eventually, I had to let go. Even then I knew I’d never let go in my heart.

I can’t imagine how the mother of James and John felt when she sent her sons with Jesus. Certainly her faith was tested when they left home and trooped after a man that people hated. Yet she asked him to take them with him. She loved them and knew God called them to work beside this man who claimed to be the son of God. When my kids left home and started on their journey into adulthood, I worried, cried, prayed and eventually trusted God to hold them close. It was a challenge. I didn’t want to let go, but I needed to. I still pray every day for God to work in their lives, keep them safe, and cover them with love. I may have let go of their hand, but I’ll always hold their hearts. I learned that from God. He created me and gave me free will. He let go of my hand, even as he pursues my heart. Praise God for mom’s who guide their children to his kingdom.

Happy Mother’s Day!

What memory do you have about your mom or another woman who guided you toward God?