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May 09, 2007
FROM THE COUCH
The “Word” Most Beautiful!
Words like “lovely,” “pretty,” and “beautiful,” are adjectives which describe people, places and things that bring joy and sunshine into our lives. Beauty for one person is not necessarily beauty for another. An artist may see beauty in a landscape that may totally elude everyone else around him. A cattle rancher may see beauty in a prize bull that may not be totally appreciated by others except his peers. In Pennsylvania one time I visited a farmer just at the moment his new tractor was being delivered. When it rolled off the flatbed, he exclaimed, “that’s just about the prettiest little thing I’ve ever seen.” His wife standing nearby, muttered, “I wish he would say that about me!”
The Biblical writers were selective in their use of “beautiful,” employing the word to describe people, beasts, or feet that carried the Good News, human apparel, landscapes, and more. A classic reference is Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Something beautiful is that which brings enjoyment, blessing and delight to our lives. In Philippians 4:7, Paul uses a synonym for “beautiful” in this exhortation: “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on such things.” To appreciate beauty, wherever it is found, is a virtue!
Despite differences we may have in what to call beautiful, I think there is wide agreement with the sentiments of one, who said, “the most beautiful word in the world is Mother.” She is described as such for her industrious nature, incredible energy, matchless wisdom, undying care, unconditional love and depth of faith. Godly mothers everywhere bear these marks. Years ago, during our fourth term of service as missionary teachers at a seminary in Africa, two brothers were graduating the same day. They had been raised by a single mother who had worked tirelessly doing the most difficult and menial tasks to pay for her sons’ education. The most anticipated day of her life was marked by a tragedy that none of us present at the time will forget. Just before the graduation ceremony, the mother was leaving her home when she attempted to pick up a rope that was crossing the path. Her poor eyesight failed to notice that the rope was a deadly poisonous spitting cobra that immediately bit her several times. She was rushed to the local hospital where an antidote was injected and her life was spared. When her sons were called to come forward to receive their degrees, they stood at the podium together and paid this tribute to their mom, yet in the hospital: “Mom, these degrees are a credit to your hard work, daily encouragement and faithful prayers. Mom, you are the greatest.”
To all who are called “Mother” this Mother’s day, we pay tribute to you. You are the greatest! Happy Mother’s Day. Please join us this Sunday for a special service to honor all mothers.
Pastor Partelow
Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at May 9, 2007 02:23 PM