Post Mothers Day Thoughts

I recall when I was a boy this time of year when I asked my Mother:  “Mama, there is Mothers Day and Fathers Day.     When is Kids Day?”     As I recall, Mom said,  “Son, everyday is Kids Day at this house.”    

We just celebrated Mother’s Day yesterday.    I understand it is a busy day for restaurants as folks seek to give the Moms in their lives a break from cooking.  I also understand that the Mother’s Day season is one of the busiest times of the year for florists as people seek to shower their Moms with floral bouquets. 

While it is right and good that we honor and show appreciation Mothers and Fathers in our lives, I am also aware that there are are many folks who approach times like Mothers Day with fear or dread.  I think of persons I know who just experienced their first Mother’s Day without their Mom who died in recent months and children who were given birth by a child that deserted them when they were young.    I think of adult children who wonder how can they honor a Father who physically or sexually has abused them or the Mother who did not see a child come through the door at Mother’s Day because their child has died.   

While I  certainly do not think we should shy away from the opportunity to honor people on a special day,  I do think that we should be mindful of persons we know who approach such special days with the hope that they will end soon. 

A final thought about times like Mothers Day and Fathers Day:    While you might not have a biological mother or father around does not diminish from the truth that there are probably some people who have been like mothers and fathers in your life.    I miss my own Mom on Mothers Day and everyday, but I am grateful for those people in the present and past who have been mothers and fathers in my life.   Perhaps that is a part of what Jesus was getting at in the following passage from Matthew 12:

⁴⁶ While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. ⁴⁷ Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”⁴⁸ He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?”⁴⁹ Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. ⁵⁰ For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

 Have a joy-filled week.-   Pastor Randy Wall

Prayer:  Loving God,  thank you for those persons who are family by birth and those who are family by their care, compassion, and example;  through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.