Mothers: Gifts from God

OPINION:

Mary, the mother of Jesus, approached her son when the wine ran out at a wedding they were attending with his disciples. She said, “They have no more wine.” Jesus asked why she involved him and said his hour had not come. Still, Mary was a godly woman and told the servants to “do whatever he tells you,” and he performed his very first miracle: turning water into wine. As a mother, Mary knew her son. She knew Jesus better than any other human being.

On Mother’s Day weekend, we honor Mary and all other past, present and future mothers. So many endure great hardship to protect and promote their children. We owe them an incredible debt of gratitude.

My mother comes to mind as I think of someone nearing the age of 90, yet she still thinks about me and my brother David every single day. Often, I must remind her that it is our honor to help her with medical, financial and other issues at this stage in her life. She has done so much for us, our wives, our children and now two of her great-grandchildren (my niece’s son and daughter).

Even though I am the son of a pastor, my mother had as much or even more of an impact on my faith than my father did. In addition to caring for her immediate family, Mom was always thinking of others: bringing food, sending notes and cards, and praying for those in need. She never backs down from her beliefs, but she does so compassionately, caring for and listening to those around her.

People often tell me stories of how my mother has touched their lives. A woman from my hometown of Delavan, Wisconsin, recently told me how my mother’s kind words helped her refocus after another person yelled at her in a local museum. Another person told me how much she loved it when my mother brought her delicious chocolate chip cookies and made her day. Others often mention a copy of a special photo or a note my mother gave them.

Mom continues to be a great example for me and my family. Even as the years have slowed her movements, she consistently looks out for those in her family and circle of friends, as well as those she has just met.

Mothers will go to great lengths to protect their children. I think of my wife, Tonette, and all she did to ensure that Matt and Alex each had paths to productive lives. Beyond keeping them well fed and clothed, she made sure they had opportunities in school, sports and church, and in extracurricular programs such as the Scouts (even serving as a den leader).

Today, she is still a fierce advocate for each of our sons. Now, she takes that a step further as she advocates for their wives. The role of a mother is never done.

The greatest gift a mother can give is life. The other great gift is a love for Christ, which provides eternal life. I am blessed with a mother who provided both for me. She also passed on a love for America.

As children, our family traveled the country and visited historic sites. This made the stories of America come to life for my brother and me. I think of our founders like superheroes because of my mother. I was 8 when we celebrated the Bicentennial on July 4, 1976. Mom got us all dressed up in historic outfits, and we celebrated with the rest of the country. She taught us to be grateful for our liberties and to pray for our leaders. Now, it is up to us to pass these values to future generations.

On Mother’s Day, we are thankful for mothers across the nation and around the world. Unlike the language used by some on the radical left, a mother is not an inseminated person. A woman may be a mother by giving birth or by adopting a child, but that is only where the work begins for a loving mother. They protect, nurture, inspire, educate, discipline, forewarn, encourage and believe in their children for the rest of their lives.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was there at her son’s crucifixion. Despite the agony of being present at that moment, she wanted to be close enough to support her son and show him her love. In turn, we read in the Gospel of John that Christ called out to his disciple and asked him to care for his mother. Even though he knew he would rise again on the third day, he understood that he would not be able to care for her in human form from that point forward. Mary showed love for her son, and he for her, to the very end. Good mothers are truly a gift from God.

• Scott Walker is president of Young America’s Foundation. He served as the 45th governor of Wisconsin.