Some people think this idea was originally conceived by Julia Ward Howe after the American Civil War as a day to honour the inherent pacifism of mothers. In reality, the idea goes much further back. The ancient Greeks celebrated a festival as they practiced mother worship.
Indeed many of us should honour our mothers. Most do and the proof is easy to see. Mother’s Day now celebrates motherhood and thanking mothers for their lifetime of toil, care and love on our behalf.
Is it any wonder we refer to the Earth as Mother Earth? Mother Earth nurtures and nourishes us while protecting us from the vacuum of space and the harsh ultraviolet rays of the sun. Our mothers nourished us even from their own bodies and protected us from harm until we are ready to face the world on our own two feet. They did some of the dirtiest jobs imaginable keeping us clean while teaching us how to walk, talk and laugh.
Our mother was our first teacher and our first role model.
In short, she has done so much for you it is time to return the favour.
One the best ways to celebrate Mother’s Day is to give mom the day off. Let her take it easy and relax while the rest of the family does the work.
Many families begin Mother’s Day with breakfast in bed. Usually Dad and the kids will let mom sleep late for a change. They will go into the kitchen and prepare her favorite meal. A Mother’s Day breakfast can consist of anything your mom likes, including taking her out to the restaurant. Do not forget to clean up and do the dishes.
As a matter of fact, one of the problems with Mother’s Day is that it lets us all off the hook for the rest of the year. A lot of people don’t do the household chores on a daily basis. It might have made sense a long time ago as straight hunter/gatherer or farming societies, but these days men and children don’t put in 12-hour days as most mothers continue to do. It’s time to get off of your lazy butt and give her a helping hand around the house.
Even today when I go home I will do some of the cooking, wash the dishes and occasionally shovel the walk. I consider it a normal part of life to assist in this manner. There is no longer “women’s work,” it is just plain work and we can all do it instead of dumping the load on poor old mom.
I leave you with this thought from the Bible: Prov 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon: “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.”
I hope that I have not caused you much grief, my dear mother. Indeed, on this Mother’s Day may all sons and daughters ensure their mothers are happy. Happy Mother’s Day to my mother and to all mothers everywhere.
