Well it's that time of year again. The one day of the year when the most neglected person in our society is able to shine and get the recognition that they so rightfully deserve. The day that we no longer take for granted the one who resolves all our problems and keeps peace in our homes. That's right, I'm talking about the florist.
You thought I meant somebody else? Well of course I know it's Mother's Day, I'm simply trying to give credit where credit is due. Okay before every mom who reads this starts throwing things at me, again, let me clarify. Every Mother's Day we fall all over ourselves trying to please Mom. We make her breakfast in bed, we do all of her chores, we give her gifts and we basically let her rule for the day. Then everything gets reversed for the other 364 days of the year. Is this really the best we can do? Not to rock the boat or anything, I mean I understand this scheme has worked so far, so why change a good thing right?
Well there's just this; Rarely before has a gift so precious been purchased for so little. It seems almost too good to be true. One day of mediocre effort gets you an entire years worth of bounteous rewards. One smile or a simple compliment can yield long lasting benefits. A bouquet of flowers can sweeten the most bitter strife. This is the person who for nine months bears untold discomforts just to bring a new child into this world only to have the real agony start once the child is born. She, day in and day out, makes life more livable and creates a heavenly place in our homes. For all this we can only muster in return a tiny fraction of what she has already given us in abundance. It just doesn't seem right and it's almost embarrassing to even try to find the gift or kind word or service that can even remotely measure up to her worth.
The scenario is keenly reminiscent of another relationship. A Heavenly Father who receives only a trifle in return for so much. From Him we receive all and we give next to nothing. We are made in His image and it seems only fitting that fathers emulate His physical appearance while mothers reflect His heavenly attributes.
Oh, by the way, this means you (assuming, of course, that you are a mom)! The one reading right now who is saying "that's an ideal I just can't live up to." Bogus! Perfection doesn't look like an immaculate home where nothing is ever out of place. Its not manifest in children who are utterly polite and behave with impeccable manners. In that regard why would an earthly mother be expected to garner more favorable results than an omnipotent Heavenly Parent. Goodness knows His children aren't always polite. The perfect mom is not the one who hungers with every waking moment to be ready at the beckoning of whomever comes to call. That mom is contrived and robotic and really not very fun.
No, the perfect mom has bad days. Sometimes her home wouldn't make the cover of Better Homes and Gardens. Sometimes her kids are rude to her. Sometimes she's rude right back. Some days she doesn't necessarily want to be a mom and she regrets the fateful day when "that man" first took her hand. She gets depressed and flustered and while everyone thinks she's got the master plan in hand, she's actually just winging it. All of the added attention and praise on Mother's Day just makes her feel more inadequate. That's what makes her perfect. Because against all odds and despite the tragic, euphoric, sad, joyous, helpless and triumphant day to day, she keeps battling on. Don't believe me? You didn't give up yet did you?
So here's to the florist for a job well done. Without you there would be fewer happy marriages and more cozy doghouses. As for Mothers... I hope you enjoy your breakfast and please kick up your feet while we pamper you for the day and shower you with gifts. Like I said, it's worked so far, so why change it. I may be sentimental but I'm not stupid.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!
You thought I meant somebody else? Well of course I know it's Mother's Day, I'm simply trying to give credit where credit is due. Okay before every mom who reads this starts throwing things at me, again, let me clarify. Every Mother's Day we fall all over ourselves trying to please Mom. We make her breakfast in bed, we do all of her chores, we give her gifts and we basically let her rule for the day. Then everything gets reversed for the other 364 days of the year. Is this really the best we can do? Not to rock the boat or anything, I mean I understand this scheme has worked so far, so why change a good thing right?
Well there's just this; Rarely before has a gift so precious been purchased for so little. It seems almost too good to be true. One day of mediocre effort gets you an entire years worth of bounteous rewards. One smile or a simple compliment can yield long lasting benefits. A bouquet of flowers can sweeten the most bitter strife. This is the person who for nine months bears untold discomforts just to bring a new child into this world only to have the real agony start once the child is born. She, day in and day out, makes life more livable and creates a heavenly place in our homes. For all this we can only muster in return a tiny fraction of what she has already given us in abundance. It just doesn't seem right and it's almost embarrassing to even try to find the gift or kind word or service that can even remotely measure up to her worth.
The scenario is keenly reminiscent of another relationship. A Heavenly Father who receives only a trifle in return for so much. From Him we receive all and we give next to nothing. We are made in His image and it seems only fitting that fathers emulate His physical appearance while mothers reflect His heavenly attributes.
Oh, by the way, this means you (assuming, of course, that you are a mom)! The one reading right now who is saying "that's an ideal I just can't live up to." Bogus! Perfection doesn't look like an immaculate home where nothing is ever out of place. Its not manifest in children who are utterly polite and behave with impeccable manners. In that regard why would an earthly mother be expected to garner more favorable results than an omnipotent Heavenly Parent. Goodness knows His children aren't always polite. The perfect mom is not the one who hungers with every waking moment to be ready at the beckoning of whomever comes to call. That mom is contrived and robotic and really not very fun.
No, the perfect mom has bad days. Sometimes her home wouldn't make the cover of Better Homes and Gardens. Sometimes her kids are rude to her. Sometimes she's rude right back. Some days she doesn't necessarily want to be a mom and she regrets the fateful day when "that man" first took her hand. She gets depressed and flustered and while everyone thinks she's got the master plan in hand, she's actually just winging it. All of the added attention and praise on Mother's Day just makes her feel more inadequate. That's what makes her perfect. Because against all odds and despite the tragic, euphoric, sad, joyous, helpless and triumphant day to day, she keeps battling on. Don't believe me? You didn't give up yet did you?
So here's to the florist for a job well done. Without you there would be fewer happy marriages and more cozy doghouses. As for Mothers... I hope you enjoy your breakfast and please kick up your feet while we pamper you for the day and shower you with gifts. Like I said, it's worked so far, so why change it. I may be sentimental but I'm not stupid.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!
6 comments:
So, I just need to keep plugging along and it will all be okay?? I guess I can do that :)
I believe I got mad at you for getting flowers at one point in time...
Oh, and our house NEVER looks like Better Homes and Gardens. Maybe in another 15 years...
Thank you again for a lovely mother's day!
So... when are we going to get a new computer?
Oh... and one more thing...
I love you
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