A Master Lesson from Mother

It is Mother’s Day. My mother died many years ago and since I am at my dad’s home today, I do not have access to a scanner to put a picture of my mother on the blog. I will show a picture that reminds me of Mother. Then I will tell the story. We were doing dishes the old-fashioned way. Mother was washing and I was “wiping” as we called it—drying—in case you do not know that old term. I was probably about ten years old. As mother finished washing her large white Mix Master bowl, she placed it in the sink and said to me, “Be careful with this bowl. It is slippery and it is an expensive bowl.”

I promptly picked up the bowl and it slipped from my hands, dropped on the floor, and broke into many pieces. Mother, without saying a word, walked into the washroom, picked up the broom and dustpan and carefully swept all of the pieces up and rolled them in an old newspaper for the garbage can. It took several minutes and I stood and silently watched her. After Mother finished, she began to wash dishes again.

I quietly said to Mom, “Aren’t you going to be mad at me?”

She said, “Brenda, why should I be mad at you? That was an accident.”

I wish I could write the emotion that I felt—it still can bring tears to my eyes. Mother understood.

I don’t remember much more about the conversation. I remember saying, “But it was expensive!” I don’t recall saying I was sorry. I do remember asking her if we could get another bowl and her reply, “We’ll see.”

This is a sweet illustration to me of my heavenly Father’s love, as well.

The LORD is compassionate and merciful,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
He will not constantly accuse us,
nor remain angry forever.
He does not punish us for all our sins;
he does not deal harshly with us,
as we deserve.

Psalm 103: 8-10