MOTHER'S DAY 20120509

Dear China Friends,

The second Sunday in May is celebrated as Mother’s Day each year in the United States.  It is a day for honoring mothers for the love they have shown their families over the years.  Mothers often receive gifts and flower corsages as a token of our love.  Below is the famous tribute Scripture pays to mothers.

A WORTHY MOTHER

A good woman is hard to find

and worth more than diamonds.

Her husband trusts her without reserve

and never has reason to regret it.

Never spiteful, she treats him generously

all her life long.

She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,

and enjoys knitting and sewing….

She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast

for her family and organizing her day….

She senses the worth of her work,

is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,

diligent in homemaking.

She’s quick to assist anyone in need,

reaches out to help the poor.

She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows,

their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.

She makes her own clothing,

and dresses in colorful linens and silks.

Her husband is greatly respected

when he deliberates with the city fathers.

She designs gowns and sells them,

brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

Her clothes are well-made and elegant,

and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.

When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,

and she always says it kindly….

Her children respect and bless her,

her husband joins in with words of praise:

“Many women have done wonderful things,

but you’ve outclassed them all!”

Charm can mislead and beauty fades.

The woman to be admired and praised

is the woman who lives [reverencing God].

Give her everything she deserves!

Festoon her life with praises!

--Proverbs 31:10-31--

I hope you have found some way to honor your mother or the mother of your children.  Both my mother and the mother of my children are now receiving their reward in heaven.  I still have many fond memories of their lives of service.  I hope this finds you and your family well.  For my age I am also doing well.

Your Friend,

Tom Atkinson