Mother’s Day

Various versions of Mother’s Day are celebrated worldwide, with various traditions. In the U.S. we celebrate mothers and other women with gifts and flowers. It is one of the largest consumer spending holidays. Another tradition is to give mothers “the day off” from their regular activities of caring for others and taking care of family details, although that seems a bit impossible. (Ask any lady in your life.)

Moms and other ladies in our lives can be taken for granted. In the days of old, women were relegated to home life and nurturing. Today, we live in a world where both parents work. Women often feel like they work at their job and at home, with needs and details coming toward them from every angle. While men feel similarly at times, a mother’s heart of compassion and provision often moves her to press on, fulfilling every need of every family member.

In the spirit of appreciation for mothers, imagine Mother’s Day from a ladies’ perspective. Now, I am a pastor, not a mother, but I have heard various mothers’ perspective and frustrations over the years. It seems to me the following fictitious story may contain a touch of the truth of what lies in a mother’s heart:

For as long as she could remember, Tracy’s days began in the dark.

Long before anyone else arose, she was up, whispering prayers for her family. She did this in secret, unseen by her husband or children.

She had been married over two decades and had been a mother almost as long. She had long accepted her life, as a mother, was one of getting the trains all moving on time, having the meals ready, and taking care of her family and home without much recognition or acknowledgment.

This was the day-to-day life of this diligent wife and mother. Her teenaged daughter and young adult son loved her but had no idea of the many, many tasks and details she handled each day.

Then Mother’s Day arrived. 

It was like any other Mother’s Day. Tracy arose early, prayed for her family, began her daily preparation for her family, and enjoyed her solitude as she drank the day’s first cup of coffee. In the back of her mind, not expectantly, she longed for a break and a touch of recognition. She was far from selfish, but she was tired.

The church service was full of recognition for mothers and ladies. It was tailor-made to recognize God’s gift of woman to man, brides to husbands, and mothers to children. It was typical for a Mother’s Day.

Tracy’s family all gathered in the car for the ride home after church. As they pulled up, her husband drove behind the house instead of to the front. He and the children had secretly set up a celebration for Tracy – a Mother’s Day celebration. They had arranged for decorations and food. They had a “Thank You Mom” banner hung on the deck.

Inside the car, the family expressed their gratitude, their love, and their joy in the fact that they had pulled off this surprise. Tracy was speechless. She had no idea.

As the conversation continued over lunch, Tracy felt noticed, loved, and appreciated. All those quiet mornings and quiet prayers, all those breakfasts and lunches she prepared in the dark, all those longings to be appreciated all mingled in her mind as she whispered a prayer of thanks to God. 

Take time to do Mother’s Day well. If you have a mom, honor her. If you have a wife, honor her. If you know a lady who deserves appreciation, take time to reach out and let her know how much you value her.

When writing this article, I looked online for Mother’s Day Ideas. Unfortunately, in our materialistic and consumer-driven society, all I found were gift ideas. Upon my second search I found craft ideas and ideas about how to throw the perfect gathering. Finally, I found a few articles that simply reflected the value of spending time with those you love. If you live near them, take time to be with the ladies in your life. Spend time. Time is a valuable commodity. It is irrecoverable.

This Sunday is Mother’s Day. Moms, we love you and honor you. Ladies with or without children, we thank you and admire your tenacity. Thank you for all you do.

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