Her son was looking for help on understanding what sin is and how to avoid committing it.  In a letter to that son, this mother lovingly replied:  “Take this rule: whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes off your relish of spiritual things; in short, whatever increases the strength and authority of your body over your mind, that thing is sin to you, however innocent it may be in itself.”  That letter was written on June 8, 1725 by Susanna Wesley, mother 19 children, only 10 of whom lived beyond 2 years of age.  Of those 19, the two we know the most about are the Wesley brothers, John and Charles, two men who made an impact on Christianity that is still felt today.  In doing some reading on Susanna Wesley, it’s evident that this godly mother made a true difference in the lives of her children, even through many difficult and discouraging times.  I think I can safely assume that it is doubtful that we would have the sermons of John and the hymns of Charles were it not for the influence of the mother, Susanna.  As I read the above quote from her letter, the phrase “whatever…obscures your sense of God” jumped out at me.  That’s not just good advice for 18th century Christian living; how we need it in the 21st century as well!  I’m afraid we’ve allowed too much to darken our sense of God.  Today’s world is too loud, too busy, too demanding, and, even at times, too enticing to give us much of a chance to be godly.  Not much of a chance at all; that is, unless we purposely stay so saturated with the light of God’s word and the light of His presence that we have no desire for any pursuit other than that which glorifies our Lord.  If Mrs. Wesley had attached a Bible verse to her advice in that letter, it might have been Colossians 3:2.  “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”  So this Mother’s Day weekend, take the almost 300-year-old advice from this godly mother and let it shine on your life today.  It will make a difference!