It started with the ancients honoring mothers even though ancient cultures did not regard women as equal citizens. Lauding Mother has rung throughout the ages.
America’s celebration of mothers began on a dark note more than a century ago. It was a day for mothers to mourn sons lost in World War One and work toward peace. As wars came and went, the day became a time to honor all mothers. It became a happy day.
The day’s original crafters would want you to know that it’s not Mothers’ Day–in celebration of all mothers. It’s Mother’s Day–when you’re supposed to visit and thank your own.
Some still hold the babes, wipe the noses, and change the diapers. Others joust with school-borne illnesses, sibling rivalries, and picking up Legos after stepping on one in bare feet. It’s the little ones that hurt the most.
For some of us, the babes grew up and had their own–may still have more. And some of those babes have grown and had their own now too.
Life is a sacred passage. Being a child turns into becoming a parent. The seasons pass too quickly from sleepless nights to piles of laundry on college weekends. Then weddings, then children–we hope.
Over the years, we forget the exhaustion that comes with fussy babies and sick children. We remember our lack of patience and wonder whether what we gave was enough. But even our mistakes don’t have to be wasted.
“Good parents use the mistakes they did in the past when they were young to advise the children God gave to them to prevent them from repeating those mistakes again” (Israelmore Ayivor).
But the next generation will stumble also. And so the seasons unfold. Imperfect humans pass on the stamp of imperfection. Yet we stamp each other with love and understanding too–and the eventual realization that our mothers did their best–and in spite of our exhaustion or fear or life circumstance, we did too.
We have to forgive ourselves and each other for our stumblings.
The stamp of imago Dei–the image we bear–makes it all sacred.
Celebrate your mother–in life or in memory. Celebrate those you hold, those you’ve held, and, if you’re a mom, those who hold you in their hearts for all you’ve done. Celebrate your part in the seasons of bringing others through to their grown-up time.
Celebrate Mother’s Day every day you can.
Happy Mother’s Day Nancy.
Happy Mother’s Day to you too, Yvonne. Thanks and God bless!
This is the first time I’ve heard the origin of this day. Thanks, Nancy.
Thank you, Debbie. God bless!
“But the next generation will stumble also. And so the seasons unfold. Imperfect humans pass on the stamp of imperfection. Yet we stamp each other with love and understanding too–and the eventual realization that our mothers did their best–and in spite of our exhaustion or fear or life circumstance, we did too.” This is my stage of life right now. Thank you for showing me a specific direction to move toward in helping my grown child deal with the imperfections of parenthood.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Linda. God bless you in your dealings with your child.
A beautiful reminder!
Thank you, Ava. God bless!
I’m always overwhelmed with gratitude when I think of all the sacrifices my adopted mama made for our family. While I miss here terribly, I find solace in knowing it is just for a little while more. God’s blessings; and Happy Mama’s Day Ms. Nancy.
God bless you, JD. What a wonderful gift adoption is–for everyone involved!
A beautiful message. I miss my Mama. She went to Heaven in Feb. 2013, just one week before her 92nd birthday. The lessons that she and Daddy taught me are more valuable than I can express. Mothers are very special.
Amen, Melissa. My mother died in 1975. I wish she were here to see my kids, my grands, and my great-grands. The lessons we get from our parents are valuable indeed. Thanks and God bless!
Happy belated Mother’s Day, Nancy! I’m so grateful for my mom. I’m blessed to have her with me still and pray she will be for many more years. She taught me love and made me feel valued and appreciated always!
Glad to know you still have your mom. Treasure every day with her. Thanks, Jessica. God bless!
Mother’s Day is fraught with all sorts of emotions. We seek to celebrate our mothers and all that they did for us, and yet we’re often also nursing wounds and unsolved misunderstandings simultaneously.
We are bundles of unsolved misunderstandings and wounds. Many have unpleasant memories on Mother’s Day. Let’s strive to bring healing as we can. Thanks, Melinda. God bless!
Wonderful message, Nancy. I especially love the thought of celebrating motherhood every day.
Happy Mom Day Every Day, Karen. Thanks and God bless!