I John 3:18
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and truth.
I don’t know what emotion the title brings in your heart; Is it fear; ‘Oh no, it’s Mother’s Day already?’ Is it joy; ‘Mother’s Day! Let’s plan a special day for Mom’. Or, is it a sad reminder that your Mom is no longer here! Whatever the emotion that surfaces, please remember your Mother.
When I was a kid I paid very close attention to these holiday’s. I would save my ‘milk money’ at school for some days, then take my money to the ‘Woolworth’ store that was a block away. For those of you too young to know about Woolworth, it was a type of Walmart. I would peruse the aisles looking for just the right gift for my Mom! Maybe it was a new color of nail polish, maybe it was a new knick-nak, or a necklace or scarf.
No matter how really cheap and useless it was, Mom always said, ‘Oh, it’s just what I wanted’. Because she understood the amount of effort that I had invested in it, with my love.
When I became the Mom, I would make suggestions to my two boys. Boys did not always have the insight of a girl, and I did not want to be disappointed. I would throw out hints beginning a few days before Mother’s Day. Loudly proclaiming within earshot of my husband and sons, ‘Wow, this garage could really use a good cleaning by some strong boys’. Or, ‘I am amazed at how the weeds have just sprung up in the side flower beds. I guess I will have to go out and weed them soon’. You get the picture. I was ecstatic when they got the hints, and they were ecstatic that ‘they thought of something’ I wanted! Win Win!
Now, I am a Nana. Parent’s raising children are very busy with their own careers, activities with their children and spouses. I have every ‘creature comfort’ I need. What I want, is their time! Time to find out what is going on in their lives. Time to chat about the good old days, but only for a little bit. I want to hear the new world things that my grandchildren are learning. What is the latest fashion from my granddaughter. What are her hopes, dreams, plans for the future. The boys still like to talk about the Lego’s they built, the last Star Wars movie they saw (5 times) or a new planet or dinosaur that has been discovered.
Today’s verse says don’t be a talker of good deeds, show some action! Four generations of children serving Mom on her day. I do like any day that I can spend with my children and grandchildren knowing that it is a fun time spending time with Mom/Nana. I don’t ever want it to be a chore or a requirement. When these days end, I will go back and revisit them in my memory-and smile!
When our Heavenly Father says in His Word that He wants to spend time with us, I believe His desire is to catch-up with us too! Our time together is a joy, a privileged, a special time to look forward to. He wants to catch up with us. What are we learning in His word? What new hobby do we have, or friend did we meet? He is also a hint giver, telling us; ‘See that family? They are struggling and need a helping hand with some groceries’. Or, the young woman two doors down has questions about her faith walk, you can answer her questions’.
Bottom line, God made us to be ‘relational’, because we are made in His image, and He is relational. So, go ahead, pour your heart out to your Heavenly Father. He will savor the time together, and remember it later, and enjoy it again! By the way…so will your Mom!
So, what were your favorite times with your Mom? Can you share them with her? She would probably like to know. I know I would! Hint hint!
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