My grandmother recently underwent hip surgery, and my mom left home for a month to care for her. Naturally, I was concerned about my grandmother’s recovery, but I found myself worrying just as much about my mom. Was she eating well? Was she sleeping comfortably? I called often, checking in on both of them whenever I could. With her gone, another weight fell on my shoulders: cleaning, laundry, and preparing meals for my dad all became my responsibility. These were tasks I wasn’t used to, and everything took twice as long with my inexperienced hands.
A few days later, my mom returned home briefly after asking my aunt to stay with my grandmother. I called her on my way back from work and asked if she had taken some time to rest. She said she had spent the day running errands and picking up groceries—and was just getting home. When I arrived, I saw bags of ingredients she had delivered from the market. That night, she stayed up well past midnight, making kimchi and preparing a variety of side dishes. The next day, she observed the Sabbath, and by Sunday, she was already heading back to the hospital. I had hoped she would find a little rest during her time at home, but there was no end to the things and people that needed her.
Watching her move from one task to another without pause, I couldn’t help but think of our Heavenly Mother. Even now, in this very moment, She tirelessly cares for Her children. How wearisome this earthly life must be for Her, bound by time and space. Does She ever get proper rest? Is She eating well? I know Her true rest will come only when She is reunited with all Her children in the eternal kingdom. Until that day, I will faithfully carry out my duty of finding our heavenly family, so that our Mother may finally enjoy peace and rest.