There seems to be a pattern to the way children view their mothers. When we are five years old we want to be just like her. When we are ten, we think we can out smart her. When we are thirteen, we are convinced we are smarter than our mothers. At seventeen we want her opinion about everything but without her knowing it. By the time we marry and give birth to our own children, we’ve become best friends with our greatest mentor.
My mother wasn’t perfect. But I don’t dwell on her imperfections. In fact, they don’t even come to mind when I think of her. Instead, I recall how loving and sacrificial she was. I don’t think she had a decent wardrobe until I graduated from high school. She always stood up for me—even when I was unaware of it. She could be trusted too. I learned that my girl-friends didn’t always have by best interest at heart, but my mother did. When I chose to listen to her, I found she was always right. People say that I look and act more like my mother than my other siblings. I take that as a compliment.
Today, I pester my children the way my mother use to pester me even though I swore I never would. “Are you reading your bible? Did you brush your teeth? Sit up straight. Be sure and say, “thank you.” Did you do your homework? If you wouldn’t marry him, don’t date him. Don’t eat so much junk. Make good choices, they determine your future. And wear a coat!” She always meant well because she loved her children, and so do I.
Every Mother’s Day I fret over what to get her…a meaningful card, flowers, a nice pair of ear-rings. This year I think I’ll give her what every mother longs to have from their children…my honor and blessing. I’m not sure how I’m going to offer that just yet. Perhaps I’ll write down what she means to me and then put it in a frame. Maybe, I give her a blessing of some sort throughout the year. I haven’t decided just yet. You could help me by sharing your ideas about how to honor and bless your mother. I’m sure other readers would love to hear your ideas, too. Then each of us could choose from a bouquet of ideas! Come on you creative thinkers…let’s bless our mothers!
The Nordstrom Family says
How about the gift of footwashing? It was something that used to be done out of neccessity but now I do as pampering and humble service. I’ve also found you can’t give a bad foot massage. I have a foot soaker and add special salts to the water. Then I scrub and massage with a pedicure kit of cleanser and lotion. I love the physical touch, the trust, and the bonding that takes place during these times.
Alyce says
Thank you for your devotion today. It meant a lot. Since this is the season for planting and new life why not give your mom a plant such as an azalea, peony, lily, etc..something she can take care of and watch grow each year, just like she did for you and your siblings (only this time, it won’t talk back 😉 )
Blessings,
Alyce
elaine @ peace for the journey says
I can’t be with my mom on Mother’s Day. We both are part of a clergy family. Thus, we spent the day together shopping and going to lunch. She lives about an hour away, so we met in the middle. I took her to a book store and bought her a new read and then we dined at Cracker Barrell.
We don’t have to do much to have a good time. Our favorite pasttime is calling one another around 7:00 PM and discussing if there are any good movies on TV. When we’re together, we always watch movies and eat popcorn.
She’s 73 and in good health. I am so thankful for any time that I can spend with her.
Mothers are the best! I hope that my children will one day say the same about me.
Happy Mother’s Day!
~elaine
Lauralee says
My mother had to always wear a white rose corsage for Mother’s Day since her mother died years & years ago. Well, my mother passed away 2 months ago of Lou Gehrigs at the age of 70, but I’ll tell you what I did for her for Mother’s Day. I planted a white rose bush in her flower garden, in her memory. My dad seemed thrilled to have it there, & it was comforting to me to be able to still do something for her. What a Psalm 31 woman, wife & mother she was! I just hope my children see me in the same way.
E Rees says
I am the mother of six. For the most part they are doing their own thing, which includes a son who is gay. If I let myself, the guilt of what did we do wrong can be paralyzing. Or- thinking I get extra credit with God for loving such a broken family turns my heart against folks who just spew judgement and pile condemnation on like it’s their “christian duty”. I love my broken children, not what they do. People who sit in judgement are broken too. If I think I am better than because I can love and not condemn, I find myself judging the judgers. God didn’t send Jesus into the world to condemn the world, but to save it. My only hope is what Jesus has done, is doing, and will continue doing to save us.
Sandy Cooper says
I just clicked over from the P31 Devotional. I wanted to tell you that it came at the perfect time. After a hectic morning getting my kids off to school, I just said to my husband while choking back tears, “All of the perfect moms would have had the library books set out last night…” After the door shut, I had a full blown cry, recounting all the ways I’m failing as a mom.
Then I heard God whisper to read your devotional. God spoke loud and clear that I’m doing better than I think…that He hears my prayers and He sees what no one else sees. Exactly what I need to hear after weeks of feeling overwhelmed, overworked and over-taken by clutter.
Today I’m going to do something that recharges my batteries…not just try (again) to get caught up on the laundry and housecleaning.
Thank you for allowing God to use you in a very profound way. Your obedience to Him in your writing greatly encouraged this mom today.
Sincerely,
Sandy Cooper
http://www.godspeakstoday.blogspot.com