The cards, the meal at the restaurant, and the extra hugs are nice. Moms deserve a special day that celebrates who they have been, who they are, and who they will be. The unique love of a mom begins the day the doctor tells her she is pregnant. She begins to love the potential of the new life she carries. After the baby is born, she is overwhelmed by the powerful, protecting love she has for her tiny child. That love endures for the roller coaster ride we call life and provides a seat belt to secure her children for the ups and downs, twists and turns, and the fast pace of each day. The seat belt is loosened later on, to include extended family, but it is never unlatched. When we celebrate a mom, we should get it right.
Thankfully, the holiday only occurs once a year. The perfect card is tough to find and the lines in the restaurants can be long. Most of the flowers are cut so far in advance, it is hard to find an arrangement that will still look great on Monday. Jewelry is good, but good jewelry is expensive. The catalogs have a lot to offer, but if you are reading this article, it is probably too late to order. And, it is Mother’s Day—you have to get it right.
My oldest child turned thirty this year. I’m still getting over that one! But, I’ve experienced several Mother’s Days and I have a few hints to offer. You can get it right!
- Get your cards ready to go. If you wait until Sunday to buy a card, you might have to give her one that looks like Camo and says, “Your love is always on target. Have a great day!” If you find a good card, but the envelope is still damp when she goes to open it, whatever you have written probably won’t be thought of as deep and meaningful.
- Avoid gifts like new perfumes or exotic flowers. Chances are, she won’t like the smell.
- Gift cards can be good, unless they are to the grocery store.
- Shoes might work, unless they are work shoes.
- Candy is good, unless accompanied by a clothing item that turns out to be a size too small.
- Nightgowns are great, unless accompanied with a comment like, “This should cover all those stretch marks I gave you!”
- A hug always works, especially if it is given when she least expects it.
- A genuine “thank you” is a blessing if you live the rest of the year like you mean it.
- A meal at a nice restaurant is appreciated, especially if you tell her that you can spend that money because of the ways she invested in you.
- The best gift to give your mother-in-law is the knowledge that you love her child.
- The best gift to give a grandmother is teaching her grandkids to love and honor her.
- The best gift for any Christian mother is the sure and certain knowledge that her children will spend every day of eternity with her in heaven.
It’s Mother’s Day. I hope that when you think of Mom, it is a sweet thought. I hope that if you are a mom, you are loved and respected by your children. I hope that Mother’s Day is a celebration of the unique love that was created the moment that God created your child. Happy Mother’s Day to all of you! (Now, hurry and get those cards ready . . . a soggy envelope is never a good idea.)
