MUSINGS - A mother's counsel

As I read the Psalm for today I was transported back in time to an event that has been pivotal in my relationship with our heavenly Father. The Great Apostle was confident that the Old Testament stories were recorded for our benefit and instruction. I hope that hearing my brief witness is a similar salutary experience to you.

I was about thirtteen or fourteen, and my stomach was severely acidic. The condition wasn't of recent vintage. I had been in an out of our family physician's office several times during the past eighteen to twenty months. Despite the visits and the 800 mg Tagamets that I was taking, there had been little improvement. Dr. Ted feared that if I didn't manage my condition properly I would have an ulcer by the time that I was fifteen.

Sometime later that year, my mother caught my eye in the upstairs hallway of the Whitehouse (this is what we called my parent's home). She was preparing for a bath, and I could tell that she was worried. (My mother often looked worried, though I could never figure out about what.) On that day, however, her anxiety seemed particualrly heightened.

I had planned to walk-on-by. (What else is a child to do?) But, as I turned to enter my bedroom she spoke. "Vaughn!" She had called my name. "Vaughn, there is something that I want you to promise me. Can you make me a promise?"

Despite the fact that my mind was racing a mile-a-minute, I had no idea what my mother was about to say. Nevertheless, I heard my mouth saying, "Yes, mum, I'll make you a promise. What is it?" Then the questions started...

"Has God ever treated you or our family unkindly?" she asked.
"No, Mum," I answered.

"Has God ever left us in need of something we couldn't live without?" she continued.
"No, Mum. We have always had what we needed." I replied.

"Has he ever failed to live up to any of his promises?" she pressed.
Again, I said, "No, Mum. God has always been faithful to us!"

"Then, trust him!" she said. "Promise me that you will stop worrying and never worry again, ever!"

Then she continued... "I have spent most of my life worrying. And, now, I see that you have begun to worry, too! Promise me that you will not become like me in this. Promise me that you will trust God, no matter what happens."

"I promise, Mum," I said.

With that, Mum, turned and continued preparing her bath.

I have never been the same since!

"The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life’s refuge;
of whom should I be afraid?"
(Psalm 27:1)

Today's Readings: Monday, April 10th, 2006.