In the United States, we celebrate that special woman this Sunday, May 9th. All across this great and blessed land, children and husbands acknowledge mothers by giving them flowers, cards and little gifts. All of the flowers, cards and gifts cannot adequately thank these women who do so much in a household. They give so much with no regard for themselves.
When I was growing up and attending Sunday School in a small town in Texas, all of the children would make macaroni necklaces or pictures for their mothers. Although it has been quite some time since I have been in children’s Sunday School classes, I am sure that the wonderful tradition still lives on in some way or form. The materials may have changed, but I am sure that children in Sunday School still make a necklace or picture for their mothers. I remember giving my macaroni necklace to my Mother and my brother doing the same. Our Mom always had a smile and was delighted by our handiwork.
Although those necklaces have long since disappeared in time, I still cherish the memory of that small gift given to Mom and remember her smile and her gentle kiss on the cheek as she said that it was the most beautiful necklace she had ever received. It certainly wasn’t the Hope diamond or the Crown Jewels, but, in her eyes, that simple necklace of macaroni, string and paint meant the world to her on her special day.
This special day was first set aside in the United States through the efforts of Anna Jarvis. In 1908, she worked to get this day recognized. Finally, in 1914, Mother’s Day in the United States was officially recognized. Later, she would denounce the holiday’s commercialization and spent the latter part of her life trying to remove it from the calendar. Instead of celebrating the day as a day of recognition for the tireless work and effort of our mothers, the day was turned into just another holiday to sell cards, flowers or whatever.
Anna had originally conceived of Mother’s Day as a day of personal celebration between mothers and families. Her version of the day involved wearing a white carnation as a badge and visiting one’s mother or attending church services. But once Mother’s Day became a national holiday, it was not long before florists, card companies and other merchants capitalized on its popularity.
What started as a simple, sincere and very personal celebration turned into just another day for businesses to sell all sorts of things for us to buy for our moms. According to business analysts, Americans will spend, on average, almost $230 on each mom.
Anna’s heart was in the right place as should be ours. Mother’s Day shouldn’t be limited only to one day, but should be a celebration that is done daily for those wonderful women who give so much without regard for themselves. Each gives up so much for her children and for her family. She is blessed by God and is, in turning, a blessing to all those in her care.
In chapter thirty-one of the Book of Proverbs, the author devotes a major portion of that particular chapter to a wife of noble character. When you read it, you will see just why she is blessed by God. Her efforts and devotion to her family are to be admired. She certainly is the bond that holds the family together in good times and in bad.
The author writes, “Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: ‘There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!’”
I encourage all to bless their mothers by telling them that they have been and continue to be a blessing. If your mother has gone on to her eternal rest, take time today to reflect on all those special memories and thank God for that special woman who not only gave birth to you but also devoted her life to you in making sure that you grew up strong in your faith and could stand firm in His grace.
Thanks Mom for your love, devotion and those wonderful smiles and kisses. Your prayers and guidance will always remain an inspiration.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
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