Is there a term that captures the essence of a miracle as aptly as when describing a mother’s love? Perhaps not, for the depth of a mother’s affection is a marvel in its own right, a profound mystery that only those who have experienced it can fully appreciate.

A mother’s love epitomizes unwavering devotion and steadfastness through trials and sacrifices, brimming with patience and forgiveness. Even as her heart may shatter, her love endures, steadfast and unyielding. Often, words fail to encapsulate its essence, leaving us with the simple yet profound acknowledgment: it is a mother’s love, an everyday miracle.

This love is unparalleled in its intensity and commitment to her children and family. In its purest form, maternal love reflects something far greater than mere emotion; it is the very fiber of our being, a profound attachment, an intense affection that helps define who we are and how we connect with others.

In an increasingly fragmented world, the love of a mother holds the delicate fabric of the family together, serving as a paragon of virtue for all to admire and emulate. When I think of my own mother’s sacrifices—the sleepless nights, the silent prayers, the unwavering support through every trial—I’m reminded of love’s transformative power.

Love’s Proper place

Yet as I contemplate the beauty of maternal love, I’m drawn to consider a deeper truth that guides my faith journey. The very qualities that make a mother’s love so remarkable—its selflessness, its constancy, its depth—point toward something even more foundational.

In Christ, love itself flows from God, who scripture describes as love incarnate. And this reveals an important spiritual principle: while a mother’s love deserves our highest admiration, our love for God must form the true foundation of our hearts.

Think of it as building a house. Before erecting walls—even the beautiful walls of family love—we must first lay the foundation. According to what Christ teaches, God must be loved first and foremost, taking precedence over all else, as echoed in scriptures like Colossians 1:17: “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together,” and Matthew 22:37: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

When Love Becomes Misplaced

C.S. Lewis, in his thought-provoking work “The Great Divorce,” illustrates a poignant scenario that has always moved me deeply. He portrays a mother whose love for her deceased son overshadows her love for God, leading to a tragic idolization of her child. In Lewis’s allegory, what begins as natural maternal affection transforms into something that ultimately separates her from divine love.

This tale serves as a gentle but important reminder that love, in its proper form, is selfless and outward-focused. But when any love—even one as noble as a mother’s—repurposes or replaces our love for God, it becomes an idol in our lives. God’s desire, as depicted in biblical teachings, is not for us to love Him exclusively, but to love Him primarily, with every fiber of our being.

Consider Mary, the mother of Jesus, who exemplifies this principle perfectly. She was asked to redefine her relationship with her son for a higher purpose. When Jesus began his ministry, Mary had to embrace a new understanding of her role, releasing her son to fulfill his divine calling. This profound act of faith and love exemplifies that sometimes, the most love requires the most significant sacrifice.

The Heart War: A Daily Struggle

The truth is, we all face a constant battle for our hearts’ affections. James 1:14 reminds us that “each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” In our daily lives, this manifests as a continuous choice between competing loves—between the immediate and the eternal, between the visible and the unseen.

The early Christians at Ephesus faced this same struggle, prompting these words in Revelation 2:4: “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” This gentle rebuke reminds us how easily our hearts can drift from their true anchor, even when our intentions are pure.

What does this mean for us as we honor mothers and celebrate their remarkable love? It invites us to recognize that maternal love at its best reflects divine love. When a mother lovingly sacrifices for her children, when she forgives unconditionally, when she perseveres through difficulties, she mirrors aspects of God’s own character.

Realigning Our Hearts

Today, I invite you to join me in a heart examination. What occupies the central place in your affections? What relationship, ambition, or desire might be competing with your love for God? This isn’t about loving others less—it’s about loving God more, allowing that primary relationship to enhance and purify all other loves in your life.

As we recalibrate our hearts and place God at the forefront, we may find that other aspects of our lives—including our family relationships—fall into their rightful place, becoming richer and more meaningful when properly ordered.

A mother’s love truly is miraculous—an everyday glimpse of grace that points us toward the ultimate source of all love. By honoring God as our first love, we don’t diminish maternal love; we elevate it to its highest purpose, as a beautiful reflection of the divine love that created us all.

Today is the perfect day to honor Him as our ultimate love, allowing that foundation to strengthen every other love in our lives—especially the miracle of a mother’s love.