There is something special about early mornings. It is something about when the house is still and everyone is quiet, that you can be alone to plan, organize, and pray.

Mornings are especially nice during the spring time. You can almost set your watch to the sound of birds chirping outside. The flowers are at bloom and the smell of newness consumes the air. These are special times to meet with God because evidence of His glory is seen as the sun
begins to peek through every dark surface at daybreak.

Mothers often pray for their children in the morning before sending them to a day that may be filled with unknown uncertainties. One of my friends commented that she often prays every morning for the protection of her children.

Prayers of a mother can look like a gentle kneel beside the bed of a sleeping child. A mother’s prayer can look like a love note placed inside a lunch bag. It can be a small tear that descends from her eye at the birth of her first child. Prayers of a mother can be silent and heartfelt petitions so faint that only God can hear.

Particularly during this time of the year, I especially think of Mary, Jesus’ mother. I wonder how her prayers sounded on the mornings leading to Easter. Did they resemble prayers for protection and strength during his trial? Did they resemble desperation and fear during His crucifixion? Did they resemble gratitude and joy after His resurrection? As many mothers have prayed for their children in the midst of frightening circumstances, I wonder what Mary’s prayers were like. Whatever Mary’s prayers were, they were powerful enough to sustain her through three days of uncertain and unfamiliar life events.

And so it was, one early morning… And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary, mother of James and Salome, purchased sweet smelling spices, so that they might go and anoint Him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” But when they looked up, they saw the stone had been rolled away- for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.” (Mark 16: 1-6, New King James Version)

After enduring terrorizing memories of the crucifixion, the words spoken many years ago by the Archangel Gabriel must have resonated in Mary’s heart that early morning:

“Don’t be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:30-33, New King James Version)

Every word spoken and every miracle performed must have all made sense at that moment. All those years Mary had heard and watched her son change lives and now she has seen the completion of the promise. What a glorious morning that must have been!

Let’s continue to pray for our children. Try not to give up during the rough and uncertain times. God has given us stewardship over our children, but He has given them a chance at eternal life.

Also remember what God has shown you during the “early mornings” of your children’s lives. There may be some tough days to endure, but the joyful days are sure to come too. Continue to trust God, and you will continue to see the miracles of resurrection for years to come.

Teresa Barnes, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Therapist