Mother’s Day
Through the years, I’ve worn lots of hats…not just the ones I used to wear everywhere, even the beauty shoppe…because that was what “Real Ladies” did. I’ve had business cards printed with lots of titles. Some of which were rather impressive. Others…not so much! The hat and title I most coveted was that of Mother…Mom…Mommy.
When my parents granted permission for my marriage, I promised I would finish my degree before we had children. Finished that degree. No children. Got another degree. No children! More than a year after graduation from Seminary, I was a Mom. Almost five years later, I was a Mom for the second time. It what now seems a very short time, there was a son in law, a daughter in law…grandchildren…great grands! Who’d thought it? One evening, Curt and I were standing at the altar saying our “I Dos”, we walked back up the aisle, turned around and we had two children, their spouses, seven grandchildren and at the present moment two great grandsons! Not bad for 55+ years of marriage!!
According to the National Retail Federation, the average person is expected to spend $140.73 on gifts for Mother’s Day this year. That’s up from $126.90 last year. Given the cost of gasoline this year, do you think that means a lot of people will be walking more? Another tidbit, which I cannot resist, mentioning, from that survey is that men…aka “Momma’s boys”…plan to spend more than $168.84 this Mother’s Day! I always thought my kids were way above average…but spend that kind of money? Better not!
And so the question arises, “What do you want for Mother’s Day”? Funny, you should ask! I’ve been reading the ads. Seems every department store, and every restaurant has the perfect answer to that question.
Fried green tomatoes with homemade pepper jelly. Lobster and avocado omelet with Maryland crab cakes. The most fabulous brunch buffet you’ve experienced. World class cuisine and entertainment from our favorite pianist…who knew Harry was in such demand?!
Not so much into food, and crowded restaurants? I discovered this in a newspaper. “Are you ready to make your Mom happy this special day? Looking for the best gift idea? Don’t worry, we’ll help you find fabulous creative ideas”. Then a long list of delightful creativeness, sure to please ideas followed. Flowers, duh! Wonder why someone hasn’t thought of that?! Cards and scrapbooks, good idea. Chocolate. Can’t go wrong with that. Jewelry. Certainly appropriate. Books. Pictures. All those so appropriate and most likely appreciated. Fabulous creative? Not so sure about that…but definitely appreciated.
I’m blessed. I have everything I need, and most everything I want. On a weekly basis, my children and their available families come to our house for dinner. They pretend to like my St. Pat’s day corned beef and cabbage, and they live in fear that one day, I really will serve liver and onions! They put their feet under my table. They share their lives with me. They spend time with me. Now, I call that fabulous!
“I have no greater joy than to know my children walk in truth” 2 John 4.
Or as The Message says, “They are diligent in living out the truth, exactly as commanded by the Father.”
That isn’t anything new. The commandment is just a repeat of Jesus’ teaching to love each other. That means following his commandments, and conducting our lives in love. That’s one of the first things Jesus taught. It hasn’t changed.
And that’s what I want for all Mothers. Not only for Mother’s Day, but every day.
[Remember ladies, this Friday evening, May 13, we are meeting at the Art Museum at Forest Park. See blog post from April 30 for more details].
I remember when I was a kid, my mom used to lay down in my bed with me and talk to me before I went to sleep. She was always so tired she would fall asleep while she was talking. She would say the funniest things! We would be in he middle of a conversation and out of the blue she would say something like, "Don't forget your slip......" Then I would start laughing and she would wake up. I don't ever remember being upset that she fell asleep. Even as a child I somehow knew that she was trying really hard and that she wanted to spend time with me. Makes me wonder what my own kids know about me...
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