Mother’s Day is 118 years old today, first officially celebrated on May 10th, 1908, in Grafton, West Virginia and initiated by Anna Jarvis. Many things will be done for moms today, honoring them and letting them know that they are loved and valued.
While the traditional Father’s Day gifts are ties and tools, the traditional Mother’s Day gifts have been cards and flowers with the possibility of going out to eat at her favorite restaurant. Whatever the gift may be, it should be thoughtful and from the heart.
If your mom was a Christian, you can thank her for her prayers. Abraham Lincoln once said, “I remember my mother’s prayers, and they have followed me; they have clung to me all my life. All that I am and hope to be I owe to my angel mother.”1 The ministries of some of the most famous pastors, evangelists, and missionaries were supported by praying mothers. Many rebellious children were turned back to the Lord as a result of praying mothers. Nothing can underscore more strongly the power of prayer.
1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
We can also be thankful for the instruction and correction that comes from a mother. Now, let’s be honest – did you fear dad or mom the most? My guess is that the majority of us would say “dad” because when he corrected us, it was something we would not soon forget! While moms may have been stern, they don’t typically have the heavy hand. That doesn’t make their instruction or correction any less valuable or powerful.
Rudyard Kipling said, “An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy.”2 Her instruction and correction has produced a number of Godly men and women who have done great things for the Lord.
Proverbs 1:8-9 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: (9) For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
There are those who really struggle with Mother’s Day because they didn’t have the best example in their moms. Some might be estranged from their moms. Others were outright abandoned. You may find it nearly impossible to think of anything praiseworthy to say about your mom and this day is a reminder of what you didn’t have.
For those in that situation, I cannot imagine the pain you carry. I’m truly sorry that days like today become a reminder of what you didn’t have. All I can suggest is that you: 1)
don’t allow the past to make you bitter about the present; 2) determine use the bad example as a model of what not to do; 3) be thankful that your mom at least allowed you to experience life. Determine not to waste the life you’ve been given.
Moms, I hope you have a happy Mother’s Day. May you live such a life that Proverbs 31:28 becomes your reality. “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”
1https://www.socratic-method.com/quote-meanings-and-interpretations/abraham-lincoln-i-remember-my-mothers-prayers-and-they-have-always-followed-me-they-have-clung-to-me-all-my-life
2https://fixquotes.com/quotes/an-ounce-of-mother-is-worth-a-pound-of-clergy-15609/
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