Mother's Day

So how will you celebrate Mother’s Day 2012?

I simply cannot imagine anyone not remembering their mother on the one specific day designated for our mothers. We all have a mother. Even if your mom has died, or there are other extraordinary circumstances surrounding your relationship with your mother, you will remember a woman who was exceptionally influential in your early years.

Do you have Mother’s Day traditions? Perhaps it's Mom’s favorite breakfast in bed, a family dinner at a favorite restaurant, or exchanging of special gifts…often handmade priceless items to be displayed and then stored forever by Mom.  Perhaps you make an extended telephone call to Mom who lives far away.  That’s what I’ll be doing this year.  I was blessed to see my parents this past March and hope to see them again this summer, but for now a phone call will have to suffice.  It’s still nice to hear her voice.

For many, their Mother’s Day tradition includes being with Mom in church, which I think is a fine practice and should be routine! What is the best thing you can do for your mom on Mother’s Day? Think about that for a moment. If you are a mom reading this blog, what is the best thing your children can do for you? And what do you think is the best thing you can do for your own mother? As a rather simple ordinary parish pastor, I really don’t have a profound, noteworthy response, except this: Listening to moms of all ages for many years, I am convinced that every mom merely wants to know that her child(ren) are safe, healthy, happy and continuing in the faith she shared as she raised them.

When a mom first holds her baby, she counts fingers, toes, looks for a smile, and prays that her child is healthy. I don’t think that particular motherly assessment ever changes. Whatever you are doing on Mother’s Day, wherever you may be, make sure Mom hears from you. If Mom has already joined the Lord in heaven, go ahead and thank God for the woman who gave you birth, raised you and loved you with that unselfish and forgiving love. And if you are blessed and can still talk to Mom, let her know you love her. Those are words she will cherish not only on Mother’s Day but throughout the year! There is an interesting scripture from St. Paul to young Timothy. He writes:

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well…and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15).

Timothy’s sincere faith was first modeled in his grandmother and mother as they taught him the Bible. He grew spiritually as God used these women in his life to assure him that he was saved through that faith in Jesus Christ. The seeds of faith were planted in Timothy by the women in his life. How many of us can say the same? Thank you Jesus – for my mother, my mother-in-law and all mothers!

See you in church…maybe even with Mom!
Pastor Tom