Families come in all different shapes and sizes and the role of mother can vary greatly. Whoever is mum to you is the one you should celebrate.
Like all special days, it is important to remember the other 364 days, whether it be birthdays, anniversaries, Easter or Christmas. Our willingness to show gratitude each day for God’s goodness is at the heart of what it means to be humans. But a focussed day makes sure we shouldn’t forget!
The Apostle Paul wrote these words to the church in Ephesus:
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1-3)
As a nation, it seems the ANZAC Day is the occasion where as a nation we honour our service men and women and their willing service and sacrifice. To honour means to RESPECT; one of our core College values. It is to esteem someone, to show that they are worthy, to indicate you are proud of them.
I have a challenge for you. If possible, take the opportunity this Mother’s Day to show your honour and respect to your mum. Be creative. Maybe you could write a letter saying what you appreciate and how grateful you are of your mum. Perhaps you could put some photos of you both together in an album. How about organising for a special experience: a day spa or a sky dive! It could be that all mum wants is a special 1 to 1 time with you, their beloved son or daughter? If that doesn’t work, flowers and choccies wouldn’t go astray!
It is now over 20 years since my dear mum passed away. I don’t think of her as often as I should, but when I do I am profoundly grateful for my mum, a woman whose love was genuine and plentiful. I am going to make a special effort this year to remember my mum. I’ll try to look at family photo albums, talk about how my relatives and friends remembered her, flicking through her Bible to remember how important God was to her. Mum’s favourite Bible verse was a great encouragement to me and I trust it might be for you also:
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life…. nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38)
Wishing you a blessed Mother’s Day and everyday!
Rev Jim Dayhew
College Chaplain
