Be Sensitive and Encouraging on Mother’s Day
You can be sensitive and encouraging on Mother’s Day –
Families need us to be sensitive and encouraging on Mother’s Day. For generations, little ones eagerly worked to give moms and grandmothers hand-made treasures. A family was simply Mom, Dad, children!
Today’s family units often include step-parents, blended families. Some children can have several “moms”. How do you handle that?
Death, divorce, distance have separated families; Mother’s Day can be painful at best. You have the opportunity to be an important encourager to those families this year.
Suppose you waited all day for a call from family that never came. Perhaps you have no children to bring you gifts; no mother or grandmother to shower gifts upon. It easily could be a sad time for you.
Thoughts go back to the phrase, “It’s not about you.” It isn’t whether you receive calls or gifts, or about grieving because parents and grandparents are gone. Question is, “Who can you share God’s love with this season? What lonely person can you encourage on Mother’s Day?”
Missing Your Mother or Grandmother?
Turn your misses into celebrations … extend a hand to such as these.
- A widower who may have given gifts to his wife each year and now feels alone. Help him know he is not alone; he is loved and appreciated.
- A woman living alone with no children; let this be the year that she, too, is shown love and honor. NOTE: In our church we celebrate motherhood by giving every lady a gift so none are left alone. Women are created to care for others … to “mother” them.
- Children missing their mother. Whatever the age, be aware of those who have lost mothers or grandmothers this year and let them know in a tangible way you are praying for them and share their loss.
- The list can be as large as you wish it to be. Our neighborhoods, care homes, hospitals are filled with lonely people. That loneliness can intensify on holidays; let’s help the hurting
And, for your moms/grandmothers, try these simple Mother’s Day tips to perk your thoughts and help you celebrate the season.
- Your time. As simple as that sounds, calling or spending even 30 minutest with someone tells them they are loved and cared for.
- Cookies. A small paper plate of home-baked cookies with plastic wrap gathered around it and tied with colorful ribbon is a simple gift. Add fun stickers for more festive look.
- Find out if they write letters. If so, give a small pack of note cards, enough stamps for each, and a pretty pen with colored ink. Again wrap in clear bag with colorful ribbon.
- Do they enjoy reading? A book of poems or short stories would be welcome gift. Perhaps a small journal (with big lines) and a pretty pen will inspire them to write their thoughts or memories of the past. A music cd might be a welcome gift.
- Small basket of goodies. Add dried fruit, nuts, crackers, candies. Check dietary needs.
You have the power to Make Someone’s Day this Mother’s Day!
I send bouquets of happiness to you with smiles and hugs,
Let me hear from you; it’s always a blessing to hear your thoughts and concerns in caring for others.
That is some good stuff, thank you! My heart hurts for my sister who lost her son in October. Oh how I want to fly to NC to be with her on Mother’s Day but that’s the same day as my daughters graduation party. Your posts always come in such a timely manner. Thank you and God bless your ministry.
Thank you, Elaine. You are such an encourager yourself. Praying for your sister; that is hard. And for peace for you, what a challenge. Isn’t it great to KNOW we have a Father that loves and cares for us in each situation. Hugs to you.
Thank you for this. There is a young man in our church that has lost his wife and one of his children in a car accident. It’s very hard for him and his other children.
Thanks for your reply. That is a great example of how a holiday can be hurtful to some families … like these precious ones missing their wife/mother. Great opportunity for us to encourage in some way. Blessings