Mother’s Day is really important to most mothers. In case you haven’t caught on by now, let me repeat that for you, Mother’s Day is a big deal to almost every mother I know. Even the most laid back, phlegmatic, understanding mother expects to be honored tomorrow with special attention.
If you stop and think about it, it’s easy to understand why. This woman sacrifices her body, time, energy and selfish interests for her family 364 days out of the year. She cleans the house, prepares the meals, washes the clothes, runs the kid’s taxi service and oversees family details without much thanks year round. Many mothers do those things in addition to holding down a secular job. She often feels taken for granted. And, frankly, she is. She tries not to feel sorry for herself but she does sometimes.
Then one day a year is designated Mother’s Day. For days in advance the rest of the family is reminded to say thanks to mom – just this once. She hears the ads, she sees other mothers getting privileged treatment and her level of anticipation is heightened. But if you don’t do anything to show her she’s special to you, she feels even more unappreciated. She thinks, “Why bother, they don’t even notice. I’m just an unpaid maid around here.”
I like the cartoon that shows a mother standing in a family room that’s a total mess. She’s got a crying baby in her arms and another child is scribbling on the wall with a crayon. The dog is chasing the cat and knocking appliances off the counter. The dishes are undone stacked high in the sink.
Her husband, with a briefcase in hand has just walked in the front door and his eyes are bugging out at the chaotic scene. The exasperated mother barks, “You always ask me what I do all day long. Well, today I didn’t do it – and here it is!”
Mother’s Day is a big deal to mothers because it’s an opportune time to say thanks for the tedious, little-noticed tasks she does every day. I normally post this blog on Sunday night, but I’m here to help you. If you don’t have plans to show special attention to your mother (and wife!) get with it quick. The drugstore is still open. She deserves it!
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'” (Proverbs 31:28-29 NIV)
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