"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised" (Proverbs 31:30).
She makes her appearance every spring just in time for Mother's Day. Her pink and fragrant petals delight my senses and fill me with childhood memories of long ago visits to my grandmother's house. She has survived several transplants, including a trip from the North to the South, and is already older than I will probably ever be. My century old peony bush, my link to the past.
As hardy and resilient as this lovely peony bush is, her bloom time is limited to two weeks at most. Yet her legacy of the women who nurtured and pruned her over the decades endures through the generations. She sits pretty on a hill nestled between rose bushes in the speckled sunlight of maple trees. Her radiance bursts forth in gentle glory then quickly dims, signalling to the roses beside her that it's their turn to shine.
So it is with a mother. Her love blooms in brilliance as she sacrifices for her family, often letting their beauty overshadow her own. A model of Christ's love for His children is the woman who fears the Lord and dedicates her life to His service. Generations will reap what she sows for she is the example others will follow.
My life like the peony is a short season when measured by God's hand. Although I am not a physical mother, the Father has put children in my life over the years. We all have a circle of influence. It can be a daunting task to ponder the raising of a child. But if we give our hearts and lives to Jesus His Holy Spirit will mold us and guide us.
May we choose to focus on cultivating the beauty of Christ in this world so subsequent generations will bless His holy name. "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised" (Proverbs 31:30).
Your fellow herald for Christ,
Mary
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