“The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world,” wrote the American poet William Ross Wallace. This sentiment resonates deeply, especially when that hand belongs to a mother connected to the demanding world of law enforcement. These mothers often experience unique challenges and moments of loneliness, balancing the responsibilities of family with the anxieties and uncertainties of their spouse’s or their own profession.
This Mother’s Day, let’s honor these remarkable women with an inspirational story.
I once knew a woman who embodied the spirit of the Renaissance. She possessed a diverse range of talents and a remarkable zest for life. She could whistle with the birds, play the piano, and pluck the violin with skill. She wrote stories to entertain and poetry to inspire. Imagine, if you will, preparing three meals a day for a hungry brood of fourteen people! She managed this feat daily.
She sang hymns while doing six loads of laundry and navigated the organized chaos of a large family from sunrise to sunset. Despite facing challenges, she always chose to see the best in people, calling everyone she met, “friend.” Late in life, she discovered a talent for painting, creating breathtaking works of art reminiscent of Thomas Kinkade. She was a supportive and devoted wife to her husband of six decades, becoming his full-time caretaker as he became disabled during the final six years of his life. She chose joy because she lived the values she sang about.
“His Eye is on the Sparrow” was her favorite hymn. You could hear it as she folded laundry on Friday afternoons or as a solo during church on Sunday mornings. The hymn’s inspiration comes from the words of Jesus: “Do not fear… you are more valuable than many sparrows.” This message resonated deeply with the hymn’s author, who witnessed it lived out in the lives of a couple with incurable illnesses, trusting that God would care for their needs.
Indeed, the lovely lady in my story felt the same way. She breathed it, she lived it, and she shared it with anyone who would listen, right up until God took my mother home in 2010.
Happy Mother’s Day, ladies! You are worthy. When in doubt, reflect upon the instructive hymn, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me!” Remember the importance of a godly woman in the lives of those around her. Consider the sacrifice she makes daily.
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