A GPS Is Not A Roadmap

REFLECTIONS
May 9, 2010

Today is Mother’s Day. We may not all be mothers, but we all have (or had) mothers. Some people for a variety of reasons do not connect with their natural mother, but everyone does seem to have a mother figure.

An old Jewish saying says, “God could not be everywhere, so God made mothers.” A Spanish proverb puts it another way, “An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy.” Poems, songs, novels, and plays have been written depicting the value and strength of motherhood. Famous people usually give their mothers credit. President Lincoln wrote, “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” Earlier, John Quincy Adams had written, “All that I am my mother made me.”

From time to time, I have shared with you stories of my mother. Her wit, will, and wisdom have marked me beyond measure and in many ways continue to shape my existence. My mother taught me that doing your best was more important than being the best. Her gift of a passion to do the right thing, rather that the popular thing, is a treasure. She believed in equal justice and an extra measure of grace for everyone, and her faith led her to witness these truths.

I only remember her being truly wrong once. Not long after I was ordained, we had a serious disagreement. It lasted the better part of a year. The details aren’t important, but the point of departure was over her judgment of somebody. My mother argued the judgment of God, and I argued the love of God as she had taught me. Once in frustration she asked, “What kind of minister are you?” I responded, “A frail and human one whom you taught to believe in a loving and forgiving God.” It was not an easy time for either of us. In an attempt to resolve the argument, I asked my mother to look at three of her favorite scriptures; Matthew 7:1-7, Philippians 3:12-16 and 4:13. Whether the scripture worked, or she had pity on me, something changed and we got past our differences. Our relationship was not the same, it was better.

It is the only argument I ever won with my mother. Perhaps she did let me win, yet I am certain she gave me the tools by teaching me faith, justice and a full measure of grace.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601