January 06

Sharing with Mom

You are simply rejecting God’s laws … For instance, Moses gave you this law from God: ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ … But you say it is perfectly all right for a man to disregard his needy parents, telling them, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you! For I have given God what I could have given to you.’

Mark 7:9-10 (LB)


It had been nearly three weeks since I had spoken with my mother and I felt bad. I kept telling myself I needed to call, but all my plans and programs at church were taking extra time and effort. I had heard there were health issues and financial concerns, and I hadn’t seen her in a month. Mom needed relief, support, a reliable friend, a son. But I had been too busy to visit or even call … church work you know. Events had to be planned, activities carried out and meetings … I had meetings. Important meetings. Too important it seemed.

And when I finally called, I could hear it in her voice. She didn’t say it directly, but I could sense it. She was hanging on, but she felt abandoned.

She didn’t mean to shame me. She didn’t need to. God’s word had already done the job. So now … what?

I’m faced with a choice … and I know what to do.


Father, forgive me for being so stingy with the precious gift You provide—the gift of time. Help me to share willingly, joyfully. Amen.