A calling above all others

I have a bookmark that was given to me a long time ago, so long ago I can't remember where or when I came to have possession of it.  It has a poem written on it called "Two Temples" written by Hattie Vose Hall and I'd like to briefly share it.

A builder builded a temple,
He wrought it with grace and skill;
Pillars and groins and arches
All fashioned to work his will.
Men said, as they saw its beauty,
"It shall never know decay;
Great is thy skill, O builder!
Thy fame shall endure for aye."

A mother builded a temple
With loving and infinite care,
Planning each arch with patience,
Laying each stone with prayer.
None praised her unceasing efforts,
None knew of her wondrous plan,
For the temple the mother builded
Was unseen by the eyes of man.

Gone is the builder's temple,
Crumpled into the dust;
Low lies each stately pillar,
Food for consuming rust.
But the temple the mother builded
Will last while the ages roll,
For that beautiful unseen temple
Was a child's immortal soul.

There are so many unseen events that happen in the life of a mother as she cares for and raises her children.  All too often they go unseen and unnoticed by those around them.  Most if not all of those great people we talk about and admire in our society at one time were helpless and dependent for everything and relied on the kindness of their mothers.

I remember one year I was talking with someone about the gifts and talents we have in this life and what they mean to us.  It broke my heart as I looked at my dear friend who was asking about the gifts she possessed and why I thought they were so great for as I talked about the idea of motherhood and the ability to create life within herself her response was, "What's so great about that?"  I can't help but think of the many great men I have come to admire and look up to and how they all will talk about the wonderful mothers and wives in their lives.

I hope as we celebrate mothers on this day, that we can truly come to better understand the incredible sacrifices so many women give in life in order to make sure we, their children, survive to become independent people living on their own.  May we each and every day make sure to give thought and love to those women who work so hard and give so much for us each and every day.  Thank you mothers everywhere.  And thank you to my own mom.