The famous quote, “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world”, by William Ross Wallace, is well known for its strong message of a mothers influence.
Mothers through out history have had a tremendous effect on our nation, due to the children they’ve raised. Significant mothers acknowledged begin with Mary, mother of Jesus. Jesus expressed immense love and compassion for her as he told John to care for her, as she knelt at the foot of the cross. Others include the mother of Washington Irving, the famous American writer, who wrote of his mother,” A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and suddenly fall upon us, when adversity takes the place of prosperity, when friends who rejoiced with us in our sunshine desert us when trouble thickens around us, still she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and councils to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts”. Abraham Lincoln’s appreciation and love for his mother, who died when he was just ten years old, was expressed through two well-known quotes, “I regard no man as poor who has a godly mother” and “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angle mother”. Henry Ward Beecher, a U.S. congregational minister wrote, “The mother’s heart is a child’s school room”. These mothers along with many others have instructed, corrected, guided and influenced their sons and daughters to be successful, impacting the world for good.
Whether a mother realizes it or not, she is a life long role model and the first for many things in her child’s life. A mother’s voice is the first her baby hears, her warmth is the first felt and her love is the first experienced.
As a child grows, whether learning how to tie their shoes, recite their ABC, s or say “please and thank you”, a mother is a teacher.
A mother has the ability to direct and guide her children by helping them acknowledge their unique talents and abilities, for she knows them well. She helps them see their strengths, encourages them in their weakness, and equips them with the skills needed to succeed in life.
A mother is a counselor, carefully listening and deciphering what is “truly” being said, and then giving counsel, based on her own life’s experiences and the wisdom gained by them.
A mother must be tough, knowing she is not always going to be Ms. Popular with her rules and guidelines. She knows that it is more important to be a mother, verses a friend; however she hopes to be both.
A mother’s role changes with each season of life, but one thing never changes; she is always needed whether she feels like it or not.
A mother’s job is never done, for even when not aware, she is teaching as she travels her own life’s journey. Whether on a mountaintop or in a valley, whether encountering hardship or victory, she is teaching her children how to respond to what life gives them, to keep on going in adversity, and not give up. She knows her attitude, her words and her actions are contagious, and she strives to be positive for her children.
A mother sometimes feels inadequate, weak and lonely. She fears for her children’s safety, their life changing decisions, and the consequences they hold.
A mother stays awake at night pacing, praying, and putting them in the hands of God. A mother is human.
A mother is always a mother, regardless of her age or the age of her children. A mother’s love and lessons carry on, even when she’s gone.
Why is Mothers Day a day worth celebrating? I think the answer is clear. So hats off to you mom, and we know you wear many, for today we celebrate you.
Happy Mothers Day!
