HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! 5/8/11

DID YOU KNOW that several unsuccessful attempts were made in the 1880's and 90's to establish a Mother’s Day? Did you know that in 1908 a movement began again and in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation making it an official national holiday? Did you know that it wasn’t long after that, that Mother’s Day became the most highly commercialized holiday and remains the biggest day for flowers, greeting cards, candy and long distance telephone calls? Did you know that it is also classified as the most popular day for dining out in America?

AS A CHILD, I don’t remember ever eating out on Mother’s Day. I do remember it being a big day! My mother had so many children that were good cooks, that I don’t believe it ever entered anyone’s mind to eat out. Besides that, nobody had enough money to pay for the whole family. My years of celebrating my own day as a mother was short lived, because my son took a wife and they had 3 sons. Our lovely Faye became the honoree! I love celebrating this special mother!

FAYE has been a perfect Mom to our three perfect grandsons. She refers to herself as the Mom of a locker room. I know there are many Mom’s out there that just have sons, but she is as tough as they are; she can handle them! I know it has been said; “Boys will be boys!” Believe me, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

TALKED with Dan the other day and he gave us our instructions. Mother’s day would be at their home; Dan and the boys will prepare dinner. Jim is to bring the drinks and Jennifer dessert. That means Garnet, Faye’s mom, Faye and me, just get to come. How grand is that?

RECENTLY, at our Soul Sister’s Bible Study we talked about Mary. Many times we want to leave Mary in the barn. But Jesus grew up! We see her as a disciplinarian when she finds Him in the temple. We cry with her at the foot of the cross! “When Jesus saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing near, He said to His mother; “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple; “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” John 19:26-27 Jesus valued His relationship with His mother, and as a person. He made arrangements for her, for after He was gone.

“AND WHEN THEY had entered, they went up to the upper room where they were staying. Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James, Simon and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary, the Mother of Jesus along with His brothers.” Acts 1:13-14 Can you imagine how Mary must have felt being included in this special fellowship of her son’s friends and follower’s?

MANY OF US think of Mary having gone to John’s home, but I imagine she refused to be anywhere other than where the followers were. What comfort and peace she received from being with them and with her other children who realized, that their older brother, was indeed, the son of God!

PICTURE YOURSELF, sitting in the upper room, right next to Mary; the mother of Jesus. Picture yourself amongst the Apostles and close disciples as they made their plans to establish this memorial to Mary’s son. Imagine Mary as she took an active part during the time of worship and listened as Peter brought the first message where she could also have witnessed, over 3000 claiming the promises of her Son Jesus, who repented of their sins and were baptized.

BEFORE, she wondered what God’s plan for her son involved! Now, with constantly renewed faith, she rejoiced at what the plan would accomplish for the world. Daily she carried on her God-given mission through prayer. Yes, as a member of the newly formed Church, she could enjoy constant fellowship with her son, in prayer. WOW! Every day is Mother’s day for a mother. Every day we are included in the circle of Jesus’ closest friends! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 5/2/11