87. The Meaning of Mother's Day
I had planned to post this article right on Mother's day, then decided to wait a few weeks, to make a point. I found a perfect card for my mother, though I want her to know that everyday is Mother's Day as far as I am concerned; however, since May is the only time of year when Mother's Day cards are available, I seized the opportunity to send a special expression of appreciation and sentiment. Card companies take note!
Truthfully, I've become extremely sensitive to all these commercially driven "special days." Think about it! We are pretty much dictated to in terms of what, when and why we "should" celebrate, when and why we should spend more money, and even feel guilty if we don't acknowledge the so-called special occasion. I'm beginning to understand a little something about the Jehovah's Witness philosophy; they are definitely on to something, no slight intended.
Yes, yes, I understand that if one particular day isn't put aside to make a special expression of appreciation for whomever, for whatever, it might not ever be expressed; but then again, isn't this where we all need to reassess our values and perceptions by changing some of our habits and way of thinking?
One major bad habit, brought on by the constant commercially driven brainwashing, is to spend money and more money, no matter what. Houses are filled with tons of needless knick-knacks, closets are filled with clothing that hasn't been worn in eons, garages are filled with "someone else's treasures," and kitchens are overloaded with superfluous appliances. It doesn't help that most appliances, electronic equipment, and technology is designed to be useless every five years or less, nor does anyone seem to care.
I'll bet that there isn't one mother out there who doesn't have a room or closet, if not more, full of stuff that is never used or really wanted, but she hates to get rid of "good stuff" because it cost someone good money. Also, ask most any mother what kinds of gifts have the most meaning to her, and nine times out of ten she will mention something about the gift of time... quality time spent with her loved ones. Yet, how many loved ones skimp on that "quality time," or merely substitute attention with a purchased commodity?
I submit that it is time to take another look at who our mothers are, what they represent, and why each one deserves more than one day a year of special consideration. And, by the way, I am not referring to birth mothers as the only women to hold the title of mother; anyone who holds a special place in our hearts as a nurturer can be considered a mother. There are some mothers, who give birth, and who do not nurture, but in general, most mothers are preservers and nurturers of young lives.
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