Another Mother's Day has come and gone. I'm not against flowers, cards and compliments when it comes to Mother's Day. It's just that I don't think it's enough. The flowers smell great... for a week, at best. The card, which was most likely written by someone else, gets put in a box or in the garbage. And the compliments boost your spirits for awhile, but slowly fade.
We, as husbands and children, need to do better than that. Given the jobs that mother's do, you couldn't afford to pay a mother the salary that she deserves. How much does a personal chef make these days? How about a cab driver that takes you everywhere you want to go and waits on you while you're there? What about a maid? Or someone that's on call every hour of the night and day to take care of the kids when they're sick? None of us could afford the services that Mom's provide. The good news for us is that I don't think Mom's want paid with money when we can give them something far more valuable and long-lasting.
Buy the flowers and cards again next year if she wishes. There's nothing wrong with that. But, on top of the tangible gifts, give them what they really deserve. Get up extra early in the morning and make her coffee. Stay up extra late and take care of the dishes. Offer to get up in the middle of the night when the kids are sick. Take the kids off her hands for a few hours so she can relax. Make her an appointment to go to the spa... and make it possible for her to keep it. These are the things that I think Mom's REALLY want. They want to know we care. They want to know that we realize how much work they put into making everyone's lives run smoothly.
There are three more groups of people that have a special place in my heart:
- Single Mom's: Regardless of what led to your situation, you have a tough road. Hang in there. Keep your head up. Keep making the tough decisions. We as a church need to do more to help single mom's. If you know a single mom, do something to help. Do it today.
- Those that have lost their Mom: I lost my grandmother a few years ago on Mother's Day. It was a very bittersweet day. For my Mom, it had to be heartbreaking. Take the emotion that you have surrounding that situation and pour it into someone special in your life. You won't regret it.
- Those that want to be Mom's, but can't: My heart truly aches for you. Mother's Day must be especially hard. But don't be disappointed by your situation. Being a "Mom" is not simply a matter of biology and genetics. Being a "Mom" is a mindset. It's a passion for caring. There are thousands of kids that need a mom, both through adoption and programs like Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Don't let your disappointment steal your passion. Be a "Mom." The real kind. The kind that comes through hard work and not genetics. And be proud of the people that you touch. You are loved.
Mom's, we can never afford to repay you. Words are not enough. May God bless you richly for all that you do!