Posted by
peripheral on Friday, May 07, 2010 5:52:21 AM
From My Perspective - - -
Sunday, May 9th is Mother’s Day. Some reflections – memories – come
readily to mind as one thinks of Mama and the role she had in shaping
the life or lives of her children. Some personal reflections are:
If you have a choice – to go to Mama’s Wood Shed or Mama’s Dog House –
choose the Wood Shed. The reasons are that (a) you doubtlessly deserved
the Wood Shed moments, (b) her Board of Education to your seat of
learning did more to shape character and give meaningful direction for
your life, and (c) that experience is soon forgotten in the reaffirming
embrace of a Mother who reminded you of her love. Just a look at the
tear in her eye was reminder enough of her pain and disappointment that
occasioned the discipline in the Wood Shed.
Stay in touch with your Mother – a visit, telephone call, a personal
note, a gift, a card – all have far more significance and meaning
beyond your imagination.
Lewis Grizzard was an outstanding southern humorist. He could be
caustic and raunchy at times but there was something special he offered
as Mother’s Day neared, namely: “Don’t Forget To Write Your Mama – I
Wish I Could Still Write Mine.”
Erma Bombeck, a writer and humorist, made these observations about a
Mother - - - "It is not until you become a mother that your judgment
slowly turns to compassion and understanding." Her observation about
those contemplating marriage and motherhood - - - "Spend at least one
Mother's Day with your respective mothers before you decide on
marriage. If a man gives his mother a gift certificate for a flu shot,
dump him."
Someone made this general observation - - - "Most of all the other
beautiful things in life come by twos and threes by dozens and
hundreds. Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows, brothers, and
sisters, aunts and cousins, - but you have only one mother in the whole
world."
Rose Kennedy, Mother of President John F. Kennedy, shared this thought
about Motherhood - - - "I looked on child rearing not only as a work of
love and duty but as a profession that was fully as interesting and
challenging as any honorable profession in the world and one that
demanded the best I could bring to it."
In a different time and generation, it was not uncommon for a
Grandmother to be part of what we called Home and Family. In a
situation where a Father had died and a Mother had to have employment
to provide for her child or children, a Grandmother was an invaluable
resource and influence. She tended to be strict and her assessments and
evaluations of our whereabouts and adventures bordered on the psychic.
In such a situation, I think of what Paul wrote in II Timothy 1:5-6, “I
am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your
Grandmother Lois and your Mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in
you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of
God, which is in you…” My Grandmother died when I was a directionless
teenager. I’m sure she wondered where she and my Mother had failed.
There are times – moments – when I wish my Grandmother could have known
that her discipline and influence had not been in vain. If she could
have only seen and known the direction my life took, the going to
college and beyond - - and if she could’ve met the love of my life and
those whom she could have known as her Great Grand-children - - I’m
sure her joy would have been considerable.
For the one who became my wife, and for that patient and longsuffering Grandmother and Mother, some of the words of Proverbs 31
are deserved and fitting: (Vs. 10-12) “An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts
in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not
harm, all the days of her life.” (Vs. 28-31) “Her children rise up and
call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women
have done excellently, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceitful,
and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the
gates.” Never take a Wife, or Mother, or Grandmother for granted. This
Mother’s Day - Don’t forget to visit, call or write your Mama – I wish
I could do all of that with mine! Consider these things with me!