Tom Barnard

“He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.”

(Psalm 126:6)

Have you ever noticed what professional athletes say into the microphone after they have finished off an outstanding play during televised games? “Hi, Dad.” Never. “Hi, Mom” is the message of choice. Is it because they don’t remember their dads? Is it because they were raised by single moms? Maybe. But more likely is the fact that for athletes (both male and female) memories of their moms were of loving support, disciplined care, and the many prayers that were voiced for them.

One of the greatest stories about moms in American folklore was told about a child named Thomas. Partially deaf, he was a challenge to his teacher (and everyone else, if the truth were told). He was curious about everything—especially about how things worked. At one point he came home from school with a note from school suggesting that his parents take the boy out of school. The note said Thomas was “too stupid to learn.” So, his mom decided to give him a try herself. And she did a pretty fair job at home schooling.

Years later, at his death in 1931, Americans paid tribute to him by turning off their house lights for one full minute. It was Thomas whose inventions paved the way for incandescent lighting. That son was Thomas A. Edison, who also contributed to the invention of the phonograph and motion pictures. His patents totaled 1,093.

Sunday is designated “Mother’s Day” in America. Why not say “Hi, Mom” to her in a way that honors her for the many contributions she has made to your life? You will be glad that you did.

Heavenly Father, it seems natural and easy to think of Mom today. My mom is with you in heaven, but the memories linger on and on. She was used of God to lead me as a child into becoming a man of prayer. She taught the children of other moms for forty years or more as a teacher of young children in Sunday school. She encouraged me and my brother to practice our musical instruments every day so that we could be part of the orchestra at church—even though the church “orchestra” was nothing to brag about. She touched lives with her warm smile, quiet spirit, and love for her garden. God, bless the memories of mothers everywhere today, and beyond. Amen.