The work of mothers is some of the most remarkable work to behold.Family is the “school of life” and the “nursery of love,” as Herman Bavinck describes it, and in turn, thestewardship oflove and lifeinvolves far more than a simple setof tasks, chores, and responsibilities.

Motherhood is indeedfar more than a “job,”as Rachel Lu recently reminded us. And yet, paring it to other occupations, we mightbegin to get a sense of how true that statementactually is.

In a recent ad for Mother’s Day, a greeting pany did precisely that:

As the video aptlydemonstrates, mothers steward their children and families in ways that stretch far beyond the logic of basic transactional services. Motherhood involves far more than child-bearing, supervision, and meal-making.Work has meaning and transcendent purpose across all spheres, butmothers bear distinct burdens, sow distinct seeds of nurture and love, and yield distinct fruits that spread across civilization.The work of motherssets the stage for the restof us, and they sacrifice all for that great and mysterious cause.

As Evan Koons puts itin For the Life of the World, “Family is the first and foundational ‘yes’ to society, because it is the first and foundational ‘yes’ to our nature — to pour ourselves out like Christ, to be gifts, to love.”Mothers are the fountains of such gift-giving, helping us to not only survive and succeed for ourselves, but teaching us about our true natures and pointing us outward to others and unto God.

This Mother’s Day, let us remember and thank our mothers for the work they’ve invested and the sacrifices they’ve made — for beingdevoted, wise, and generous,and for pouring outamiraculous love that points the way to Christ.