Call Your Mother While You Still Can
According to the most recent statistics, there are upwards of 85 million mothers in America.
Motherhood has changed quite a bit over the years. Compared with past generations, fewer of them are married, they tend to delay having children, have fewer of them, and are more likely to work outside the home.
Contrast a mother in 2025 with one in 1955, and there’s a good chance their lifestyles will vary, and by a lot. Moms in the 50s probably didn’t stop at Starbucks, wear yoga pants, go to the gym, or post photographs on Facebook.
But you can be sure mothers were and are equally devoted to their children, gladly and readily sacrifice for them, lose sleep over them, and fervently pray for their well being.
Gaspard Mermillod, a 19th century Swiss bishop, said it well:
“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.”
Mothers are irreplaceable. They care us inside their body for the first nine months and then carry us in their hearts and minds every day until they die.
As we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, and if you’re blessed to still have your mom with you this side of eternity, you might be struggling or even burdened to find her the right gift. You know best, but here’s an idea. Instead of focusing on honoring your mother this weekend, commit to honoring her the other 364 days of the year too.
It’s interesting that God commands us to honor our father and mother, and even before telling us not to murder, commit adultery, steal, bear false witness or covet (Exodus 20:12-17). We’re told that doing so doesn’t just honor them, but also help us “live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12).
Tragically, we’ve seen an increase in adult children estranging themselves from their parents. In rare cases, this could be due to personal safety concerns. In most other instances, it’s due to a personal grievance, a political or theological difference of opinion, or unresolved bitterness. It’s often due more to a misunderstanding than some malevolently motivated behavior.
Since we’re focused on moms this week, perhaps the very best way to honor your mother is to live in a manner that reflects the ideals and principles she taught you from the very beginning.
In this age of texting, call your mother. It doesn’t have to be a long conversation, but you might not fully appreciate how much she enjoys hearing your voice. She thinks about you more than you realize, prays for you when you’re sleeping, worries about you when you’re awake – and loves any opportunity to talk with you and hear about your life.
You can’t thank your mother enough. She doesn’t need to hear the words, but is happy when she does.
Share good memories with your mom – maybe the first one or even the last one. It tells her she made a positive impression. Everybody likes to be remembered. It might not be the traditional high points but instead a picnic in the neighborhood park, a conversation over breakfast, maybe the car ride to church or your Little League game. It’s often the serendipitous moments that create the most lasting memories.
Mothers feel our pains and share our joys. Sons or daughters can give their moms both.
The day is coming when you won’t be able to call your mom, stop in for a visit, or write her a note. But if she’s still alive, you still can – and you should.
Image from Shutterstock.
