Some holidays come and go with little circumstance. Others are little more than an inconvenient bank holiday.
Then there is Mother’s Day.
To a few people, Mother’s Day is another Hallmark marketing strategy to boost sales of sappy cards and dust-collecting knick-knacks. To other people, it is a day to make the obligatory visit with their buttoned-up shirt and flowers in hand.
Has Mother’s Day become a joke?
Maybe to some of us but God is not laughing. In fact, an argument could be made that it’s the one holiday we are commanded to honor. Not even Christmas and Easter have the distinction of being a commandment to celebrate.
Taking it a step further, the Bible says numerous times to “honor your father and mother,” which means we should be displaying our gratitude every day.
When you stop and reflect on all you mom has done for you over the span of your lifetimes, I think we can all agree they deserve daily recognition. They carried us inside their wombs for nine months (or more), and endured the birthing! That alone deserves a medal of honor. That’s just the very tip of the iceberg. If we think about all the mothering that goes on in life, there’s nothing that even comes close to what moms do for us. Nobody can argue that moms give significantly more sacrificial love than men or kids, on a daily basis.
So for this Mother’s Day, I encourage you to really make an effort to show your mom gratitude. Here are some fresh, and not so fresh but tried-and-true, ideas that can help you get started
1. Be Thoughtful
Moms don’t care how much you spend on their gifts, they care about how much you care. You might even ask her, “Mom, what can I do to make you feel more loved, to honor you, be a better daughter or son?” Make it a once a year check-in time. And, there’s nothing better than to write a heartfelt, thought-out message in a letter or card.
2. Get The Kids Involved
If you have kids, plan ahead to have them create a special gift and moment for mom. They will enjoy it, see how important the holiday is, and by modeling this, they will model it for their generation.
They could finger-paint, make homemade cards, cook her breakfast in bed. Another idea is to have the kids write what they love about their mom. Better yet, record a video of them giving their answers.
3. Break Out The Baby Books And Videos
Spend time reminiscing about the early years. Listen to mom tell her stories, favorite memories of raising you. You might learn something in the process.
4. Treat Her
Open your pocketbook to give her a little break from her usual routine. Maybe provide her with a day at the spa or a mini-shopping spree. Let her get all dressed up and have a special outing to see a show she’s been talking about, a pottery class, concert or dinner at her favorite restaurant- or one she’s been too busy to try.
5. Go Hi-Tech To Show Hi-Touch Love
For those handy with a computer, put together a slideshow of memories, or a PowerPoint of photos and videos and accompany it with music.
6. Acts of Service
It’s sound simple, but it’s thoughtful and shows you care. Has your mom been talking about planting flowers? Get some gloves, a shovel and plant them for her…or maybe just help her plant them where she wants them. Is there something that needs fixing? Break out the toolbox. If you aren’t able to do it, then do some research and bring in someone who can.
Mother’s Day is a great starting point for us to stop and honor our moms, but don’t take them for granted the other 364 days of the year. Make the holiday the starting point of reflecting on your wonderful mom all year round.
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Kenny Luck is the CEO of Every Man Ministries and host of The Every Man Show. His latest book, Dangerous Good: The Coming Revolution of Men Who Care will be released this summer.