Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - May/90

Contributor - Jeanne Greven

Title - Mother

Topic -Family

Mother's Day--a time to think about our mother, a time to show our mother that we love her. Mine passed away a little over two years ago. What made MY mother special? What did my mother leave me to remember about her?

I was 15 years old when my mother became ill. Roles changed as my whole family now took care of my mother, as she was totally disabled. For twenty-eight years of her life she was unable to care for herself even though her condition improved for a few years to the point where she could walk think a little better and distinguish between light and darkness. The last years of her life were spent in a nursing home, yet through all the difficulties, she left me something special.

For many years mother and I would sing. O yes, she knew numerous Dutch and English hymns. How she loved to sing about her Saviour and even while she could not remember things anymore, she remembered the hymns. Her wedding text and her constant source of help in life came from Psalm 121.

I lift up my eyes to the hills.

From whence does my help come?

My help comes from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved

he who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, he who keeps Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper,

the Lord is your shade

on your right hand

The sun shall not smite you by day

nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all evil;

He will keep your life.

The Lord will keep your going out and

your coming in from this time forth

and for evermore. (RSV)

Yes, she remembered this Psalm too and could recite most of it herself. In the years spent in the nursing home there was always one thing that would bring a sparkle to her eyes. Just talking to her about God would cause her whole face to light up and tears of joy would well up within her. She longed for heaven, she wanted to be with her Saviour so very much. I know she prayed and prayed for her children and we've been blessed in seeing some of those prayers answered.

My mother showed me that God never leaves us or forsakes us even when human flesh fails. I saw the evidence of the Holy Spirit living within her. She showed me that the "joy of the Lord IS our strength".

I pray that my children may also see the Lord living in me.

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