My commentary on this occasion is in honor of mothers around the world. There is no assignment on earth that requires the array of skills and understanding needed by a mom in fulfilling her everyday duties. She must be a resident psychologist, physician, theologian, educator, nurse, chef, taxi driver, fire marshal, and occasional police officer. Join her on a midmorning visit to the pediatrician’s office. After sitting for forty-five minutes with a cranky, feverish toddler on her lap, Mom and baby are finally ushered into the examining room. The doctor checks out the sick child and then tells the woman with a straight face, “Be sure you keep him quiet for four or five days. Don’t let him scratch the rash. Make certain he keeps the medicine down, and you’ll want to watch his stools.”

“Yeah sure, Doc! Any other suggestions?”

“Just one. This disease is contagious. Keep your other four kids away from him. I’ll see you in a week.”

The amazing thing is that most mothers get this job done—and they do it with love and wisdom. God made ’em good at what they do. And He gave them a passion for their children. They would, quite literally, lay down their lives to protect the kids entrusted to their care. And that’s why they are deserving of our admiration—on Mother’s Day, or on any other day of the year.