How Will You Celebrate

How Will You Celebrate Mother's Day?
By J. S. Ramkissoon

‘Some flowers, a box of chocolates…hmm…That’s it! I’ll get her a voucher for a spa break…then again…I could take her shopping…’

Some people know exactly what to plan in celebrating ‘Mother’s Day’, while others struggle on what to do.  For those who find it a task here are some ideas to help you:

• Celebrate with a home-made meal

Who better to put a perfect menu together for ‘Mother’ than the children she has been preparing meals for, all their lives? ‘During slavery Black folks didn’t have much to celebrate, so cooking became the way we expressed our love for one another….It was a time for sharing our joys and sorrows…’*.

• Celebrate restaurant style

If option one is a regular celebratory option for your family, then a restaurant may be a welcome alternative.  Treat her to something different that will have her searching for the recipe later.  But book in advance because you don’t want to disappoint her on her special day.

• Celebrate in Songs

-         If you are blessed with the gift of singing you could dedicate a special song to ‘Mum’ on ‘Mothering Sunday’ at church. 

-         If ‘Mum’ listens to a particular radio station, why not request one of her favourite songs or one appropriate for the occasion such as: ‘A Song for Mama’ by Boyz II Men from their album evolution.

• Celebrate with Gift Vouchers

Gift vouchers can be a safe option. Think about her needs, things she likes or her favourite clothing store.  If she’s always rushing about, then think relaxation – maybe a spa break (this could also be combined with a hotel night).  Anything that will get her to stop and relax would be a great present.

• Celebrate with a letter of appreciation

You could write a special letter or poem, telling her how much you appreciate her.  If you’re not a writer you could search for a book of poems, devotions or quotes of encouragement focusing on mothers.  Something she can turn to for quick reference on those gloomy days.

• Celebrate in prayer

You don’t need a special occasion to pray for ‘mum’ but sometimes past events can damage a relationship between mother and child.  If you find yourself in this position your mother-daughter relationship may need an injection of prayer.    If you’ve tried your best and find results aren’t forthcoming and it’s depleting your energy then the ‘gift of prayer’ is your best option.  Instead of staying angry and becoming bitter and twisted ‘turn it over to Jesus’.  God can turn all negative situations into something positive.  So seek the lesson to learn from your misfortune then wait on God to effect change in His timing.  ‘Pursue peace with all people…test any root of bitterness springing up to cause trouble’ (Hebrews 12:14-15).

A mother experiences great joy and intense sorrows from the excitement of a child being born to the anxiety of dealing with a rebellious teenager or the grieving of a child who has died.  Often she’s alone throughout these life-changing moments.  So let us honour our mothers by bringing back the element of respect which society has stolen.  So, whether your mother wins the ‘mother of the year award’ or not, lets take the opportunity to appreciate her.

‘What is most valuable is not what we have in our lives but who we have in our lives.’ Anon.

© 2007 Janice S Ramkissoon

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Notes: * Quote from ‘Soul Food’ ©1997 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.