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mother's day
M a r th a S. H o o k e r
f T was Mother’s Day, but not one of the four Grant children had re membered. They really hadn’t tried very hard to remember until seated in their accustomed seats in the church on that bright sunny morning in May. The pastor spoke from a text suitable for Mother’s Day. Bob and John Grant, and Mary Grant and Sarah Grant hardly looked at each other, but it was easy to see all four were thinking the same thoughts. They hardly heard the rest of the sermon, so concerned were they of the tired mother at home, all quite for gotten on this her day. They walked home from church thoughtfully, and found their mother with the usual welcome and a beauti ful dinner ready for them. All through the dinner they were unusually quiet, planning how they could show their appreciation for their mother on Mother’s Day. When the dessert was finished Bob and John arose and took their place back of their mother’s chair, then before she realized their plan, they picked her right up in their strong, young arms and carried her into the parlor and placed her in the very best chair, saying “Mother, this is your day: this is Mother’s WHAT REALLY COUNTS (concluded) him. He takes a drink of his Mystery X solution, then he breaks through the mountain and finds his rocket ship. Then he chases the gang up to Mars and captures them and brings them back to Earth—then he—.” “It must be real great,” Gordon broke in. Tim was startled. “What do you mean? What’s great?” “It must be great to be able to go to Sunday School,” said Gordon. “I wish I had a chance to learn what the Bible teaches—my mom’s awful sick right now—even the doctor came last night. If I knew what the Bible tells about heaven and Jesus maybe I could tell her and help her.” Gordon turned and faced Tim. “Say, Tim, you’ve studied the Bible. What does the Bible say about heaven and how can a person know he’s going there?” Tim thought and shook his head sadly. “I . . . I . . . well, I just can’t remember what it does say Gordon . . . it says that . . . uh. . . . Nope I,
the garden with their arms full of May flowers. “Let us crown her our Queen on Mother’s Day,” they said. So they twined the beautiful flowers about her head and the chair. Poor mother! She was so surprised and overcome by so much love and atten tion that she could only say through her tears, “You dear children!” But this was not all—leaving their mother to rest, they all rushed to the kitchen to show their love in a very practical way. “We will show her, even though late in the day, that we love her,” Mary said, as with the others she busied herself in the kitchen. “Indeed we will,” chimed in Bob, “and not only today, but every day.” And as the dishes were washed, dried and put away, these four Grant children made plans to make every day throughout the year a “Mother’s Day.” And that evening as the pastor looked over his congregation, gathered in the little church, he saw Mrs. Grant proudly sitting among the four happy children. As for mother, she said afterwards that this was the very happiest day of her life,-—a real Mother’s Day. me even more is how you were able to tell her some verses yourself.” Tim grinned self-consciously. “Yes, mom, I finally woke up. When I went to talk to the pastor and asked Jesus to really come in my heart—things seem a lot different. And since the pastor gave me that plan of marking a verse in each chapter that means the most to me as I study—I’ve just found the Bible to be the most interesting book in the world.” Mrs. Jackson looked at her son proudly. “That’s wonderful, Tim— and here’s a surprise for you. Mrs. Jennings says that you read the Bible so well that she wants Gordon to know about it, too—beginning Sunday she’s going to let him go to Sunday School.” Tim took a couple of jumps and threw his cap in the air. “Oh, boy! its paying in lots of ways since I forgot Captain Crash and started reading something that really counts—isn’t it, Mom?” “It surely does, son. Now let’s hur ry home. I’ve your favorite supper of hamburgers to fix for you and your dad tonight.” END
Day.’” The girls then thought of a lovely plan, and soon came in from
A MOTHER'S PRAYER Lord, nothing I can say will be enough To keep him at my side; But, when the way grows long and steep and rough, Be Thou his guide. My love would hold him close, but distance calls: The far horizon's rim Beckons. Beyond the shelter of these walls, Remember him. Thy mother knew the anguish, sudden, brief, That makes these eyes go blind With woman's tears: But Thou didst know the grief Of all mankind. Thou wert a young man once in Nazareth . . . Henceforth I must forego His secret thought, his dreams of life and death, But Thou wilt know. This is the end: The work of heart and hands— The mother-task-all done; But, safely, with the One who understands I leave my son. — Helen Frazee-Bower just can’t remember—my memory is sure no good. But maybe I could get my Mom to tell you.” “But Tim,” anguished Gordon, “if it was important to you, you would have known by now. Besides you’re pretty good at remembering what happened to Captain Crash. Nope, I just don’t believe that there is any thing to Sunday School and the Bible —else you’d remember!” Just then they were at the school door. “Bye, Tim, I’ll see you later,” said Gordon. All that day Tim thought about what Gordon had said. He could hard ly concentrate on his books. He knew something was wrong with himself. He remembered all about Captain Crash but nothing about the Bible so he could help his best pal when he needed it most. Two weeks later, Tim and his mom were walking home from seeing Gor don’s sick mother. “Boy, Mom, wasn’t it wonderful to be able to tell her about Jesus?7’ enthused Tim. “Yes, it was,” replied Mrs. Jackson, “But you know something that thrills
M AY, 1960
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