Mother’s Day Is a Waste

By Joe Chesser

    Mother’s Day is a waste of time and money. It is just a day of commercialism; a day to sell cards and flowers, candy and lunch. Everybody knows that the greatest promotion for Mother’s Day comes from Hallmark, AT&T, and FTD … and WalMart.
    Now that I have your attention, you need to know that I don’t believe the sentiments of the above paragraph. Some may view Mother’s Day like that, but I’m not one of them. Yet, I do believe that for many people Mother’s Day is a wasted opportunity.
    I was blessed with a great Christian mother, and am a Christian today due largely to her influence. But, sadly, I know first-hand about how to make Mother’s Day a waste; I have made more than my share of mistakes on Mother’s Day (you can’t ask my mom, but you can ask my kids about the messes I have made on Mother’s Day). So, from my experience and observation, I know that for many people, Mother’s Day is a day of wasted opportunities.
    Mothers are such special people. The pains of childbirth alone make them so. The love, devotion and care a mother gives her children are legendary. The hours of physical and emotional labor, the sacrificial spirit, and the sleepless nights so often go unnoticed and unappreciated. God gave mothers a special role, and He expects them to be honored and appreciated (Deut. 5:16; Lev. 19:3; Eph. 6:2).
    Mother’s Day is a special time to honor your mother, but you can waste that opportunity if you are content to give only a card or gift or phone call. Mothers appreciate gifts and cards, but what they truly want is your genuine attention. They don’t care about the cost or quality of a gift; what they care about is that you express to them the sincere affection you have for them in a way that most appropriately comes from you. To say, “I love you, mom,” is far more valuable than a steak dinner or diamond earrings … or a McDonald’s gift card.
    Mother’s Day is an opportunity for you to genuinely express your love and appreciation to your mother. Don’t waste it with inferior substitutions or token gifts. Don’t waste another minute. Take advantage of the time you have left to tell your mother that she is special to you, that you love her, and tell her so with genuine affection. She will be honored, you will be blessed, and the Lord will be glorified. (But you’d still better not forget the cards and gifts!)         

- Joe Chesser preaches for the Fruitland Church of Christ, Fruitland, MO.  He may be contacted at joeandareva@yahoo.com