There is no jewel in the world so prized as a mother’s love: She is our first love

William Shakespeare wrote, “There is no jewel in the world so prized as a mother’s love.” “A mother’s love is like a beacon, lighting up the path for her children” (The Comedy of Errors; Henry V). Praised by playwrights and recognized universally, a mother’s love is remarkable for its intensity, fidelity, and longevity.

Sociologists surveyed young adults globally for impressions of their mothers. They completed the following: “For all that my mother has done ____ me, I could never _____ her.” Many in the west answered, “… to me…” and “forgive her” while majorities of Easterners replied with: “For all that my mother has done for me, I could never repay her.” A mother’s love isn’t always recognized universally; culture shapes our appreciation.

Christina Rosetti’s untitled poem extols her mother:

Sonnets are full of love, and this my tome

Has many sonnets: so here now shall be

One sonnet more, a love sonnet, from me

To her whose heart is my heart’s quiet home,

To my first Love, my Mother, on whose knee

I learnt love-lore that is not troublesome;

Whose service is my special dignity,

And she my loadstar while I go and come.

And so because you love me, and because

I love you, Mother, I have woven a wreath

Of rhymes wherewith to crown your honoured name:

In you not fourscore years can dim the flame

Of love, whose blessed glow transcends the laws

Of time and change and mortal life and death.

Acknowledging neither mothers nor children are perfect, what love jewels have you received from her? How has culture shaped your appreciation? How has that “first love” lit a path for you and others? What love-lore have you learnt and shared? How does her loadstar continue guiding you today?

Rev. Dr. Sybrant serves at Murray Hills Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). For more info, visit us at 15050 SW Weir Road, Beaverton. 503-524-5230 www.murrayhills.org