An Ode To My Mother
Psalm 127
Unless the LORD builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain.
In vain you rise early and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves.
Children are a heritage from the LORD,
offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court.
I was listening to a podcast the other day and the teaching was on Psalm 127. The pastor was talking about family and the importance of discipling children in the home. I do not have children, but I began thinking about my childhood. I was extremely blessed to have parents who loved me and taught me about the Christian faith. My mom’s reaction to my desire to be involved in international missions has always been supportive.
Jim Elliot is a missionary who went to the tribes in Ecuador. You may have heard of his story, told in the book Through Gates of Splendor. If you haven’t heard the story, it’s worth a Google search. He and four other men were killed by the tribesmen they were trying to evangelize. Before going to Ecuador, he wrote something in a letter to his mother:
“Remember how the Psalmist described children? He said that they were as a gift from The Lord, and that every man should be happy who had his quiver full of them (Psalm 127). And what is a quiver full of but arrows? And what are arrows for but to shoot? So, with the strong arms of prayer, draw the bowstring back and let the arrows fly–all of them, straight at the Enemy’s hosts.”
When I heard this quote, I thought of my mother. Each time I am called overseas, my mother encourages me and helps me pack. She doesn’t try to keep me close in proximity. She draws the bowstring back and let’s me fly, covered in prayer and always close to her heart.
I have an awesome Mom. Love you!
