A MOTHER'S DAY REFLECTION 2017

This weekend, Sunday specifically, is Mother’s Day.  In fact, it is the 102nd Anniversary of Mother’s Day in the United States.

Sadly, the anxious concerns of the woman who helped institute Mother’s Day as a national memorial came to fruition not only in her lifetime, but continue to this day.

Years after she founded Mother’s Day, Anna Jarvis was dining at the Tea Room at Wanamaker’s department store in Philadelphia. She saw they were offering a “Mother’s Day Salad.” She ordered the salad and when it was served, she stood up, dumped it on the floor, left the money to pay for it, and walked out in a huff.

Jarvis had lost control of the holiday she helped create, and she was crushed by her belief that commercialism was destroying Mother’s Day.

Since the beginning of the month of May, newspaper ads, radio spots, even pop up ads on the Internet have been advertising gifts and trinkets of all kinds to consider giving to Mom on her special day.  Hotels and restaurants have been touting brunches and dinners to “show Mom how much we appreciate her”.

Anna Jarvis was right:  commercialism would destroy the real meaning of Mother’s Day. 

But that same commercialism has destroyed or co-opted almost every national holiday and memorial.

Presidents’ Day isn’t about Washington or Lincoln anymore.  It’s about huge savings at every furniture store in the country.  Memorial Day isn’t about honoring our fallen heros, it’s about sales on patio furniture, barbecue grills and backyard pools, above and below ground.  The Fourth of July, Veteran’s Day, Halloween and, of course, Christmas.  In fact, commercialism has become so flagrant that we’ve become numb to the fact that, as the sales banners for one holiday are being removed, new advertisements announcing sales for the next holiday are being posted.   

So, Mother’s Day isn’t about the sacredness and sanctity of motherhood.  It’s about the 50% you can save on carpet and installation costs. 

We no longer take time to remember that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.  No, we fret about getting reservations in early for brunch at the nearest eatery or hotel.  We no longer honor Mom with a humble prayer to the Lord to bless her and sustain her in the sacrifices she makes each day for her family.  We frantically search for that unique article of jewelry, a bracelet or necklace, with the diamond that assures Mom we will love her forever.

It’s the way of things, I guess.  Sad but real, nonetheless. 

And lest we forget, just as Mother’s Day comes to an end and all the ads and posters are put away for another year, Father’s Day is just around the corner.  Golly, can’t you just wait to see the stuff you can buy to show dear old Dad just how much you care!

Saints preserve us, ere we perish!

But lest I be a complete curmudgeon and lose the opportunity to do so, may I simply say "Thank You" to Moms everywhere, those still with us and those who have gone to God before us. 

May the Lord bless you for your constant love and your fearless dedication to your families, to all of us.  May you know our love, affection and esteem for you on this Mother's Day and always. 

God bless you, Moms!  Always!