My Day...Mama's Day!✍️
My Day...Mom's Day✍️
Motherhood is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week job with no pay, no breaks, and no resigning or retiring. Mothers should be acknowledged not just on Mother's Day but all year round. Every day is a chance to remember them as God-given, real-life superwomen. Hence, even though this post is a little late for Mother's Day, it is still relevant. So, on this day, let me tell you about my two children.
Bunso (my 10-year-old daughter):
She began greeting me the day before Mother's Day. And on the day itself, she said, "Happy Mother's Day, Mama," every hour from when she woke up until she went to bed that night. And wait, there's more! She even made me choose the kind of service she would give me as her Mother's Day gift: a body massage or scalp flaking.
Kuya (my eldest 12-year-old son):
If my daughter flooded me with Mother's Day greetings, my son, however, was the opposite. Before 8 a.m., he was already up and said, "Good morning, Mama," just that, plain and simple, nothing more, nothing less. Around 10 a.m. my daughter woke up and said, "Happy Mother's Day, Mama." Then she turned to her brother and said, "Kuya, binati mo na ba si mama (ng HMD)?" My son did not respond. "Batiin mo naman si Mama ng Happy Mother's Day," she said. So my son said, "Happy Mother's Day, Mama," in a strained voice or under pressure. I noticed his way of greeting me, but at least he said it, and that's what counts.
What did I realize from this scenario?
1. Our children, despite having the same genes, or DNA, still differ from one another. Even though my kids both emerged from my womb, it would be unfair to expect my son to act the same way as my daughter, who enthusiastically greeted me HMD. Why is that? Because every day, children face issues that influence and shape their personalities. Consider identical twins who may look alike physically but differ mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. So to compare and show favoritism toward one of our children, or take sides with any of them is a no no because God created every person unique.
Honestly, I was offended when my son failed to greet me lively. However, I suppressed my feelings. I was trying to extend understanding while silently enduring the pain. I expected an energetic HMD greeting, which is, of course, just every mother's natural want. As parents, we are teaching our children to behave well and show us honor and respect for others, but if they don't, we can't be bitter towards them but be forgiving, patient and loving still. For them to absorb and apply the lessons that lie behind every rebuke, correction, and discipline we give them is God's job. We can only do so much by praying and informing them about the Bible, which will shape them as children of God. The truth is that we do not own our children, they are God's. Stewards or caregivers or custodians, that's our role to play in their lives. We are commissioned by God to nourish their bodies, especially their souls, and spirits. How? Again, to help them put their faith in God, to tell them about His words, make Him known to them as their Creator and Father, with Jesus as their Savior and the Holy Spirit as their friend- (Psalm 24:1).
Admittedly, my children are often compelled to conduct themselves appropriately and morally in front of me. But, I observed the dangers of striving for perfection. When children are pressured to be ideal, they tend to pretend, to act like someone they are not and do things they dislike just to please their parents. But in truth, they aim to distance themselves as they prefer to be in the company of their friends over their families because they are uncomfortable at home and want to avoid their parents or siblings. This is the point where families divide and gaps arise.
While allowing our children to be authentic--that is, to display all of their colors, imperfections, and shortcomings in our presence, that's when they feel most loved and accepted. They would choose to abide in our house if and when we allow them to just be who they are before us, to the point where even if they have a family of their own, they would still come back to us, their parents, again and again, because they miss us.
2. People change. Yes, my daughter is thoughtful now, but in a year or two, who knows? She may not be like that anymore. So I might as well take advantage of her sweetness now. Appreciating our children's random acts of kindness encourages them to be good and do better.
Whoops, I have nearly lost my patience as my daughter greets me with HMD every hour. I grew so overwhelmed that I was almost about to say, "Ang kulit mo naman!" But I was convicted, as James 3:10 comes to mind, which states that our tongues can either curse or praise. I realized that my daughter simply wanted to recognize my role as her mother, which is perfectly fine, nothing wrong with that. Very sweet of her, actually! She untiringly greeted me but I believe it's God's voice telling me, "You are loved as a mom, Lia." Coming to my senses, I ended up pleasantly responding to her, "Thank you, Anak," each time she say, "HMD, Mama."
It is foolish to vent anger in answer to somebody's unwavering declaration of love for us, like what my daughter did to me. I have to thank God for this young lady's display of affection. It is sensible to honor her too, and Jesus expects the same from all of us as well. ("He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord demand of you? Do justly, love kindness and mercy, and humble yourself and walk humbly with your God--Micah 6:8)
People are always free to choose whether or not to be nice to you. So when they choose the first option and do you a favour, it just shows that they value you. It is only just but right to repay them with kindness and thanks.
All honor, glory, and praise to Jesus, from whom all wisdom comes.
Happy Mother's Day!🫰
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