Today is Mother’s Day – a day when we celebrate the women who helped to shape our lives. Flowers, candy, and other gifts are given in the hopes that they can convey our gratitude, yet as we know, there is no gift that could truly match or recognize their sacrifices.

Because they were her favorite, I used to send my mother a dozen pink roses on Mother’s Day. If I could not be with her, I’d call her. I’m no longer able to do either of these. I’d be lying if I said my heart doesn’t ache to do so.

The Bible tells us that we are to honor our mothers and fathers. It’s so important to God that He put it in the Top Ten! However, have you ever noticed the second part of this command?

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12 NKJV emphasis mine.)

Looks like God is telling us that when we honor our parents, we will be blessed with a long life. This is confirmed in the New Testament by the apostle Paul:

“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: (Ephesians 6:2 NKJV emphasis mine.)

I surely hope I did a good job of honoring my mom, yet I suspect I failed miserably in my teen and young adult years. Until you become a mother, you don’t really understand their heart.

I’m so grateful for all my mother taught me but more importantly how she lived her life. Was she perfect? Nope. No one is. Yet, she did so much right. When I asked her how she raised six children when I struggled with two, she replied:

“I just did the best that I could.”

I have never forgotten this. As moms, we do not do everything right, but we do the best we can out of the love we have for our children. We do our best to steer them in the right direction so they will have a good and prosperous life.

If we’re smart, we do not look to create carbon copies of ourselves but rather we nurture them to be who God created them to be. That’s the only way they will have a truly fulfilling life.

We provide opportunities for them to discover their gifts and talents. We teach them about God and faith so when challenges come (and they will), they will know what to do. We pray for their protection, provision, and healing when needed. 

My mom did all this and more. She believed in me when I thought I was a hot mess. She listened to my “woe is me” monologues when the trials of single parenting threatened my sanity.

She showed me what grace under pressure looks like. She demonstrated compassion and generosity.

She was a wonderful example of resilience even in her last days as she battled the cancer that took her life.

This is what moms do. They teach their children.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 NKJV)

I can’t send my mom roses or take her to lunch today. But I honor her and will continue to do so all the days of my life for all she did and who she was.

Praying God’s rich blessings over all mothers, grandmothers, and spiritual mothers today. Enjoy your special day!

P.S. If you would like to hear more about honoring our mothers, click here to watch or listen to the Elevate The Day podcast “Honoring Our Moms”