Jesus said to Mary, “Woman, behold thy son.” And to his disciple he said, “Behold thy mother.” (John 19:26-27)

And, in those few words, the Son of God ensured his earthly mother’s provision and care in his own future absence.

Perhaps he was thinking of moments from his childhood, growing up in the humble home of a carpenter.

From the dawn of time, down through years and decades and generations, mothers have found a way to make a house a home. Regardless of the circumstances, good mothers work to shield their children from financial difficulties, from strained relationships, even from some of the consequences of absentee fathers.

No cooking is like mom’s cooking.

No hugs are like mom’s hugs.

No kisses are like mom’s kisses.

She’s a wellspring of love, support and wisdom.

I remember during the winter months my brother and I would wait in the warmth of the living room for the school bus to pick us up. One morning, the driver drove right past our stop without ever slowing down.

My mom drove us to school that day.

The next day, she was waiting at the stop with us. When we boarded the bus, she stood in the bus doorway and had words with the driver that need not be repeated in a family newspaper.

The bus never passed our stop again … even after we started driving to school.

The tireless care that a good mom pours into her children can never be quantified … or repaid.

When God described his own care for his children, he compared his love to that of a mother. (Isaiah 66:13)

Perhaps Jesus, hanging there on the cross, was reflecting on his childhood and the way Mary had been a mother to him.

Or maybe he was looking into the future and anticipating rough roads ahead for his mother.

As much as our mothers nurture us, we must acknowledge and brace ourselves for the day when we might need to take care of them.

When I think of all the ways my grandmother took care of her family over the years, it makes me all the more grateful that it was my mom who dutifully and meticulously took care of my grandmother in her final years and days.

Whatever the reason, Jesus wanted to make sure his mother, Mary, was taken care of.

So, even as life was draining out of his battered body, the Savior thought not of himself, but his mother.

Today, I’m thinking of my stepmother, who died three weeks ago after suffering a brain aneurism. She knew I loved her, but I regret not taking the opportunity to thank her for never creating an atmosphere of “Emma’s kids” and “Albert’s kids.” We were all her kids.

So, if I haven’t said so lately, today, I thank you, Mom, for being a good mother.

I thank you, wife, for being a godly and pampering mother to my children.

And I thank God for all the aunties and great-aunties and church ladies in my life who have been like mothers to me along this journey.

To all of you, I love you, and Happy Mother’s Day.

Managing Editor Anthony Cook is pastor at Christian Fellowship Bible Church. Phone, 256-235-3558. Email, acook@annistonstar.com. Twitter, acook_star.

'By the Book'

Anthony Cook, managing editor of the Anniston Star, has published a collection of his columns on faith, along with sermon notes and speeches.

‘By the Book’ (WestBow Press, 418 pages, $30.95) is available at LifeWay Christian store at Oxford Exchange, at Family Christian Stores at Quintard Mall, or online at booksamillion.com or at bookstore.westbowpress.com.