Motherhood
May 2026 - Bruce Fairbairn, Elder
The musical Camelot proclaims this the “Lusty Month of May”, a slightly ribald comment on human proclivities. But here in the real world, we know May is mostly about celebrating Mother’s Day. Motherhood–and the love, compassion and patience it engenders–is certainly a gift from God and a critical foundation for our society. And this gift is not only to people. Our hearts are warmed when we see a bird tending her nestlings, a cow with her calf in the field, and puppies swarming all over their mom.
I remember my Mom and her unconditional love for me, her tireless support, patient instruction and inner happiness. And I well remember her mother, my Nana, a compassionate friend to all people, who also raised the three young daughters of her younger sister who had passed away. Nana involved Mom in church worship and activities at the earliest age. Mom continued this sense of service throughout her long life and passed it along to me. And, according to family lore, Nana’s mom, my great-grandmother Sarah, took off her glasses at 98-years of age proclaiming she could see fine and read the Bible without them. (I suspect that was because she had already memorized much of it!)
I certainly thank and respect my wife Barbara for her heart-felt and steady-hand upbringing of our two children. She continues to be a strong role model for daughter Sarah and son Neal, now both grown and with families of their own. Sarah is a wonderful Mom to our three California grandkids. Sarah has a strong sense and love for family as she teaches them good values, leads them to worship at a fine church, enrolls them in excellent Christian schools and tirelessly supports their myriad activities (soccer, basketball, dance, etc.). And we are blessed by our daughter-in-law Karolyn, a first-time mom. She and Neal are showering lots of love, compassion and purposeful care on one-year-old Noah.
During this merry month of May let’s continue to celebrate Motherhood—the moms out there in the congregation and those of us who have or had moms. (I think that covers everyone!) And isn’t it cool that we have a Pastor with two young children. Sara Jane is doing wonderful work, skillfully and lovingly balancing family and church life.
On the Cross, Jesus looked down with love and compassion on his mother Mary and his disciple John. To Mary he said “woman, behold your son” and, to John, “behold your mother”. Jesus thus honored his mother and provided for her future care in a society that offered little material support and compassion to a widowed woman. When we approach the Lord’s Table to receive communion, Christ also looks on us with love and compassion. Praise be to God.
Bruce Fairbairn – Elder
