Orange Moon Thursday, June 30, 2022 "A Vine In Thy Blood"

The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…

"A Vine In Thy Blood"

     I wonder about the sacrifices she made for me, the blood, sweat, and tears shed to be sure she provided for and protected me.

    I refer to my mother, who reared me to adulthood after my father died when I was two years old.  She never remarried, mainly because she could not be sure a second husband would be a good stepfather.  She worked hard all her life, much of her effort devoted to my primary benefit.  How I wish I had known at the time how diligently she labored.  I did not.  Even now, I realize how little I know of my mother's blood, sweat, and tears, despite having been a parent and experiencing what it means to do whatever, whenever, and wherever to raise children.

   "Thy mother is like a vine in thy blood, planted by the waters: she was fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters" (Ezekiel 19:10).

   My mother causes me to think of Another whose sacrifices I will never fully know.  As a child, an adolescent, and a teenager, I did not realize I daily witnessed the character and nature of the Lord Jesus Christ as He walked through my mother's feet, labored by her hands, and loved me through her heart.  Again, how I wish that I had known this.  Moreover, I grow in realizing that how little I knew of her sacrifices speaks to how little I know of my Lord's.  

   "He is… a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3).

   I am glad of the realization.  Knowing that we cannot fully know "the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge" goes far in motivating our response of love to Him (Ephesians 3:19).  The realization also elicits love for my mother, along with great and growing appreciation.  There is little I would not give to have her back for a moment to be able to express a heartfelt "Thank you!" for all she was and all she did for me.  Thankfully, I can express this to the Lord who bestowed and bestows the grace of a far greater love than I will ever comprehend.  I now know that the blood, sweat, and tears shed by my mother flowed from the wellspring of His self sacrificial heart of goodness.  I daily saw the Lord Jesus as He walked and worked in my mother.  How she abides as "a vine in my blood," ever bearing witness to the True Vine who dwells in my spirit.  How I thank Him, and look forward to a day when I can again thank her for having served my heart as so vivid a display of His heart.

   

   A final thought.  If your mother remains in this world, thank God for the blessing.  Then, call her, write her, go see her.  Tell her.  

"I am the True Vine."

(John 15:1)

"Honor thy father and thy mother."

(Exodus 20:12)

Weekly Memory Verse

    And the heavens shall praise Thy wonders, O Lord, Thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.

(Psalm 89:5)

   

  

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