Each year I continue to marvel at the number of photos, memorials and accolades that are on Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms – recognizing the unbelievable contributions of mothers everywhere. While most holidays seem to be less popular that they were years ago, I can’t help but think that Mother’s Day is an exception to the trend. Everywhere I go, people are wishing Happy Mother’s Day to one another and celebrations are in full swing.
Our family went to the Club for brunch today and it was apparent that Janet was thrilled that all our children, and grandchildren, were there to celebrate with us. It seems that no matter how old one gets, there is a lifelong desire to show appreciation for our mothers. And those of us who have already lost our Moms still think kind thoughts and may even post pictures of those who have gone on before us.
Janet remarked that she, and I, are now the oldest living generation, and it is still strange for us to be the old ones at the table. It wasn’t that long ago that we were getting engaged and were the youngest ones at the Mother’s Day celebration. Of course, those days are now behind us and we are starting to think about what it will be like to have a fourth generation in another decade or so – maybe a little longer… but one thing never changes; Moms like to be with their children on Mother’s Day.
When I was younger, I don’t think I appreciated the importance of Mother’s Day. Sure, there are some people who may not care as much, but our family isn’t like that. We revel in the day and we wish all Mothers everywhere a wonderful day of peace and great times with their families. But growing up, I think I took my mother for granted. I didn’t realize all the things she did or probably even how much she loved us.
However, I have a front row seat watching Janet willfully put her own needs and desires behind the wishes of our children. And it has been a blessing to see them turn into fine adults in their own right – even if they don’t realize the full impact that Janet has had on them. One thing is for sure – the older we all get, the more we realize the contributions our parents made to our development and success as people.
One other thing – the memory of mothers, even more than fathers, seems to live on forever. I can’t even begin to recount how many people I know still speak of their mothers with utter reverence. And that is terrific. Because Moms take care of their children and never seem to lose that desire to serve them and love them well all the days of their lives.
The Bible is quick to point out the importance of mothers. Paul, in his second letter to Timothy makes reference to caring for people as a mother cares for her little children. And many other places, caring is closely linked to the way that mothers interact with their children. However, I think the most famous verse about mothers is in the Psalms. We are told that God created us – but put us together with an incredible bond with our mothers. We are told by the psalmist, in Psalms 139:13, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”
My encouragement tonight is that I think God has a special place in His heart for mothers. After all, for the most part, they are the ones that take care of God’s really special people, His children. My prayer is that you will take a moment to appreciate all the mothers out there and how they give selflessly of themselves to make life better for their families – because many times that is a thankless job. At least until we get old enough to realize what has been done for us by our Moms. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…