Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Days to all those who are either mothers or mother figures. Being a mom is hard work. I know. At times, you may feel like a giant Gumby doll stretched in all directions at once. There have certainly been times I felt that way.

A Brief Mother’s Day History

Mother’s Day is celebrated every year in the United States of America on the second Sunday of May. It originated in 1908 when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother. From there, she began a campaign to make Mother’s Day a recognized holiday in the United States.

On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation asking Americans to give a public expression of reverence to mothers through the celebration of Mother’s Day.

Ms. Jarvis’ efforts to establish Mother’s Day became a reality in 1914. However, by the 1920s, it is said she was already disappointed with its commercialization.

Spiritual Responsibility

Moms have a lot of responsibility. One of the greatest  responsibilities, I believe, is to train up a child in the way he or she should go. And when they are old, they will not depart from it. This training is based on Biblical principles, not on our opinions.

If we expect to know what Biblical principles to teach our children, and those under our influence, we need to study the Bible first. We can’t teach something we don’t know.

We need to teach by example. Not just by word. There is no place whatsoever in the spiritual training of our children for an attitude of Do as I say, not as I do.

If we expect our children to love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, and mind, and their neighbor as themselves, then we must do likewise.

Motherly Wisdom

Another side of what I believe is a mom’s responsibility, is to pass down wisdom in the form of what we tell our children in the everyday moments.

For instance, how many of you have heard, If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all?

It wasn’t just Walt Disney’s Thumper who said this. Many mothers have told their children the same thing.

One of the things I remember my mom saying, which until the day she died at 95-years-old, believed to be truth was, Don’t go outside with a wet head. You’ll catch a cold, or pneumonia, or get sick. Anyone else ever hear that?

Here are a few other things I remember her saying.

How many times do I have to tell you?

Well, obviously, at least once more.

Get that hair out of your eyes. Do you want to go blind?

No, but I’m not sure my hair will be the cause if I do.

Get down from there before you break your neck.

Now, given my adventurous bent, this bit of wisdom held the most validity.

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times!

That was probably not an exaggeration.

I asked Pie what bits of motherly wisdom he remembers me telling him. Here’s what he said.

Don’t sit so close to the television. Clean your room.

Direct, and to the point.

Your Turn

So, what about you? What is some everyday motherly wisdom you remember your mother telling you?

What are some things you remember telling the children in your life?

I’d love to hear.

Leave a comment below to share your thoughts on the subject. If you think others would appreciate reading this, please share it through the social media buttons.

Bring up a child by teaching him the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn away from it. Proverbs 22:6 (NLV)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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