Mother's Day is on Sunday. When I decided to do this article, I looked up the history of Mother's Day. I found one post that discussed the spiritual celebrations of the symbols of motherhood, reaching back to the Egyptian goddess Isis, the Roman goddess Cybele, the Greek goddess Rhea, and early Christian celebrations for "Mother Church". Moving through the ages from the early 1600's right up to the declaration by Woodrow Wilson in 1914.
Mothers Day History ~ The Complete History of Mother's Day
The other part of this article that I found the most interesting was the reaction of Anna M. Jarvis, the Mother's Day champion, had after it became a national holiday. She was absolutely opposed to the commercialization of the holiday. It had started as a spiritual holiday, originating in the church. She was appalled at what the floral industry had done to it.
I can't say that I blame her. The point of the holiday is really about saying thank you. I have always been a big fan of Mother's Day. I have been blessed with one of the most amazing mothers ever! I have always known that I am loved and truly supported, regardless. It has given me the freedom to live my life without fear, relishing the love and light.
I'm writing this blog from the hospital where my mother is having surgery. I've been wracked with fear all week. I know for a fact that she is going to be fine. I know that she is held in the love & light of many people and her connection to the Divine Light is strong. My issue isn't knowing that she is already healed, it's remembering it.
The fear comes from the deep love that I have for her. It is ironic that she is having this surgery today, just before Mother's Day. As if I needed a reminder, this is a big one about how precious she is to me and anyone that knows her. That's really what Mother's Day is about. It is a reminder to feel grateful to the person(s) that mothered you.
I say the person that "mothered" you because it is not necessarily your "birth" mother. There are many people that mother you that are not your birth mother. It is about the nurturing love that feels like a "mother's love". There are many people that can provide this, they don't even have to be a woman. It is a kindness of spirit. It is that gentle touch on your brow when you're sick. It is that soothing voice when you need to hear it. It is a Band-aid commercial.
It is with a great deal of joy that I write this today. This "mother" love is something that everyone needs. It is the love that lifts your spirits and carries you through when you lose faith or confidence. It is the love that makes you feel safe, secure and whole.
My challenge to you today is to celebrate every "mother" that you have had. This is particularly important to those of us that no longer have a relationship with their mother, for whatever reason. A day like Mother's Day can be difficult for someone that has lost their mother, or has lost her to pain, strife and estrangement. Everyone has felt that "mother's love" from someone. Find a way to thank them. Find a way to show your gratitude. It doesn't have to cost you anything. It doesn't have to come in a vase and smell like roses. A smile, a hug and a heartfelt "thank you" is all that's required to show someone that you appreciate all that they've done for you in your life.
If you want to go the extra mile...try visiting a nursing home and wishing someone there a "Happy Mother's Day". Life can take people far from their mothers and there's always someone that won't have a visitor, they would really appreciate a smiling face.
Be well my friends...
Joyfully yours,
Robyn
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