They say — whoever "they" are — that confession is good for the soul, so maybe it's time for me to reveal that I have not always been the wonderful, considerate husband that I now am! (Don't laugh too hard!)
As I look back on past Mother's Day weekends, I realize that I really blew it sometimes. The first years of our marriage, Mother's Day rolled around and I reasoned that Melody was my wife — not my mother — so I didn't get her anything to recognize the day as special.
The next year, however, I had learned my lesson. I had discovered the hard way, that my wife was indeed a mother, and that I needed to recognize that fact. I thought about it for awhile, and came home with the perfect gift (I thought), a rubber tree plant. Melody was not impressed! Kirk (9 months old) liked it better than she did. He proceeded to pull all of the leaves off of it in the following weeks.
I still didn't understand why Melody wasn't impressed with my thoughtfulness, but eventually, somewhere along the past 41 years, I figured it out. I don't make those foolish mistakes as often now. Now, when I suggest doing something special to celebrate Mother's Day she says, "It's not necessary. Our boys will make it special for me!" I've wondered if it could be she just doesn't want to take a chance on another rubber tree plant!
Guys, just in case you need some help, jewelry, perfume, clothing, thoughtful cards, a nice meal, or a visit to some place special to her are appreciated by the mothers in your life — whether they are your mother or the mother of your children! Rubber tree plants, tools, and oil changes are not usually seen as something very personal or appreciative for one who carried you for 9 months in her body and gave you life!
The apostle Paul, writing to the church in Ephesus, penned these words:
Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 'Honor your father and mother.' This is the first of the Ten Commandments that ends with a promise (Ephesians 6:1-2 NLT).
Mother's Day is a national holiday, not a religious one. But, this is one special day that I am in favor of celebrating. It's a small way to honor our mothers and recognize all they have given us in our lives. I realize that not everyone has "the perfect mother," but if the opportunity presents itself, bless yourself by doing something good and positive for your mother anyway.
While some of you moms might be thrilled to get even a rubber tree plant, I pray that you all will get what you really need in the way of love and recognition for the role in which God has placed you!
