I’m being honest here. I love my mother, and I love the mother of my children. But with both of them in my life, I am torn between two loves. One brought me into the world, and the other brought my three sons into the same world, though a little downstream from the other event. And our oldest son and his wife have brought us two grandchildren. Our middle son is getting married soon. My life might get complicated on Mother’s Day. Actually it is. The least of the complexities is the madhouse of trying to eat out on the second Sunday in May. I picked a nice restaurant a few weeks ago, asked the family if they could all join us. Tried to make a reservation. There was an “X” over that day on the schedule. I assumed they were not taking reservations, and it was first come first served. I was trying to work in a visit to my mother in Fort Worth as well on Saturday, but she wasn’t feeling up to a visit. She called me Sunday morning and I sang the Happy Mother’s Day song to her (Happy Birthday tune with the words altered). I visited her last Monday, so I would have to pay her a Mother’s Day visit another day soon in the future. We arrived at the restaurant at the appointed hour, noon. I was tense, as this party was my responsibility. It would be a nearly two hour wait. That was not tolerable. The “X” that I saw over Mother’s Day on their calendar meant BOOKED UP. The skies were the blackest blue overhead, and thunder was filling our ears. The skies were about to burst into a water show any second. Others from our party were arriving. We decided on a backup choice, not too far away. I texted those still enroute. As we ran into the restaurant, the rain was soaking us. We ordered at the counter and found a big table. I soon forgot all my stress and anguish. I scanned our table. In attendance were the guests of honor (my wife and daughter-in-law, both mothers), our three sons, and our grandson and granddaughter. Our middle son’s fiance was with her mother, where she should have been. I honor my mother and my wife. It is not an either/or, but AND. As our family has expanded, I keep adding rooms onto my heart. Room for all. Sitting at the table, I watched everyone eating and talking, just taking it all in, listening to everyone at once. Jesus once missed a meal with His disciples. His response was interesting. “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” I only ordered one taco Sunday. Buffalo Chicken taco. I would never be happy with such a small portion for lunch, but today I don’t care. My stomach and heart are full. I understand, Jesus, what You meant. There is spiritual nutrition that feeds body and soul. Seeing this gathering fed my soul and body well. Father in heaven, thank You for such food, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
