Mothers Day by Joni Eareckson Tada.

Mother's Day

'Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout
for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the
desolate woman than of her who has a husband,' says the Lord.
--Isaiah 54:1
For years my husband Ken and I tried to conceive a child. I knew of other
spinal-cord injured women who gave birth to children, and was convinced I
could do the same. I planned to turn my art studio into a baby nursery, and
my wheelchair into a 'stroller.' I could even envision holding my baby in a
'kangaroo carrier' on my wheelchair. But it wasn't to be. After many tests
at an infertility clinic, Ken and I realized we would not be able to have a
child.

At first, I was devastated. But then we realized we already had a family.
A worldwide family. We began to rejoice anew over the thousands of
spiritual children - especially children with disabilities - that my story
had touched over the years. Ken and I began to pray in a deeper, more
specific way for these young people. Almost over night God took away the
pain and emptiness of my barren womb. I almost plastered an Isaiah 54:1
bumper sticker on the back of my wheelchair!

* * * * * * * *

There's a reason for every woman to celebrate Mother's Day - even those who,
like me, do not have children. Any woman, whether single or widowed, can
enjoy rich relationships with boys and girls in their neighborhoods,
churches, and extended family. If you have never given birth to a child,
ask God to show you a young person whose life you can spiritually nurture -
it'll be a reason "burst into song and shout for joy." Look up Child
Evangelism Fellowship at www.childevangelismfellowship.org to find ways you
can share Christ with young people.

Lord God, I'm glad you take delight when we provide spiritual 'parenting' to
children in our sphere of influence. Use me to bring more boys and girls
into your kingdom!


Blessings,
Joni and Friends

Taken from Pearls of Great Price. Copyright 2006 by Joni Eareckson Tada.
Used by permission. Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan
49530