The Apostle Paul instructed us in Ephesians 6:2-3 "Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."
I don't know about you, but I want it to be "well with me" & I want to "live long on the earth." It's really a remarkable things that there are several stern warnings for children who mistreat their parents by the words they use & the things that they do.
In honor of Mother's Day, here's a few things to consider...
1. Unconditional Love. No matter if your mom is young or old...love her. Moms give, give & give some more. They are always giving everything they have to their children. Without hesitation a mother will lay down her life for her child. So, love her when she has much to give & when she has nothing left to give.
2. Be Affectionate. When is the last time you walked up to your mom & just hugged her real tight? Moms, for the most part, are affectionate with their children. It's amazing how we can take for granted that our mother knows that we love her. Surprise her today & give her a huge hug!
3. Be Understanding. Women go through a lot of changes. Mothers go through a lot of changes. They wear many hats...they cook, clean, arbitrate, mend, work in & out of the home, etc. They do so much, and we need to appreciate the great job that they do for us every single day.
4. Pay Attention. Everyone likes a little attention. Husbands do. Children do. When is it mom's turn? Give your mom your undivided attention for Mother's Day. Make it about her. Let her choose where/what to eat...talk with her. Put your phone away.
5. Say "Thank You". Moms do things that money cannot pay people to do. They are always watching out for us, picking up after us, doing things no one else would probably do. Show your gratitude. Say, "Thank You." (Say it often.)
6. Tell Her She's Needed. Moms are nurturing by nature & every mom wants to feel needed. The enemy will whisper in your mom's ear, as she moves into her golden years, "you're not necessary, no one has time for you, you're an inconvenience to everybody." That's a lie. Let your mom know that you have time for her & that you need her.
Consider this...
1. Whether you mother is still alive today or not: Rate your relationship with your mother on a scale from 1-10, with ten being amazing. You may need to have two separate totals...one for when you were growing up & the second total for today.
2. What would it take to move that total closer to 10, or what would it have taken for it to have been closer to 10...then and now?
3. Which of the 6 points above do you need to work on to improve?
Today, I want to thank my mother for being a prayer warrior in our life. Whenever there has been trouble or a need, all I've had to do is pick up the phone and ask her to pray...and she does. Never underestimate the power of a praying mother. When she can't work anymore, when she can't give anymore, when she can't serve anymore, even when she can't do things for you anymore...she can still PRAY for you!
Happy Mother's Day!
