Even since the invention of Mother's Day, and probably before that, Moms have been sentimentalized and gushed over. I love seeing all the DEAR MOTHER paraphenlia in antique stores. Ornate satin pillows with heavy fringe,with mushy gushy poems about Their Dear Mother, the equally ornate cross stitch wallhangings, the cards that are so gushy you wonder who really feels that way about their mothers.
I know my kids love me, but not enough to imortalize their feelings in threads that neatly criss-cross for hundreds and hundreds of rows.
I'm happy with those scribbled notes on little corners ripped from lined paper that say, "I love you, Mom! Your the best Mom in the hole werld!"
Some adults have overly sentimental sayings about motherhood, too. After a few common Mother quotes that I sentimentally agree with, I added the reality check in fine print.
Henry Ward Beecher- “A mother's heart is the child's classroom.”
If this is true, then why do some kids play hooky?
And, I wanna know, if my heart is the classroom, where's the principle's office?
I know my kids love me, but not enough to imortalize their feelings in threads that neatly criss-cross for hundreds and hundreds of rows.
I'm happy with those scribbled notes on little corners ripped from lined paper that say, "I love you, Mom! Your the best Mom in the hole werld!"
Some adults have overly sentimental sayings about motherhood, too. After a few common Mother quotes that I sentimentally agree with, I added the reality check in fine print.
Henry Ward Beecher- “A mother's heart is the child's classroom.”
If this is true, then why do some kids play hooky?
And, I wanna know, if my heart is the classroom, where's the principle's office?
Helen Rice- “A mother's love is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking, it never fails or falters, even though the heart is breaking.”
Well, to be honest, sometimes moms throw things, stomp their feet and slam doors, but that wouldn't sell many greeting cards, would it?
Well, to be honest, sometimes moms throw things, stomp their feet and slam doors, but that wouldn't sell many greeting cards, would it?
James Russell Lowell - “That best academy, a mother's knee.”
Is that academy called the School of Hard Knocks?
And does that learning take place sitting on the mother's knees, or bending over them?Is that academy called the School of Hard Knocks?
Emily Dickinson- “A mother is one to whom you hurry when you are troubled.”
That's funny, my kids always run away from me when they're in trouble...or hide in their rooms, or under the table or behind the couch...
That's funny, my kids always run away from me when they're in trouble...or hide in their rooms, or under the table or behind the couch...
Mildred B. Vermont- “Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field, since the payment is pure love.”
Yea, I agree, but I am finding it difficult to find a grocery store that accepts love in payment. My heart may be full of love, but my wallet is still emtpy. Dandelion bouquets and sticky kisses are priceless, but are not legal tender.
Cardinal Mermillod - "A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take."
It's not only that nobody could take a mother's place, nobdy would.
I don't see anybody lining up to wash stinky socks that have crusted into lefts and rights. Never had anybody volunteering to come wash puke out of the sheets in the middle of the night. Haven't had too many volunteers to clean the three toilets that need bulls-eyes painted in them. Nobody has stepped in and wanted to referee any of the disagreements over major items like pencils, cards, quarters and the last piece of candy.
You're right. Nobody could take my place for all those hard jobs.
And even if they could, I wouldn't give my job to anyone in the world.
Because, then someone would be getting
the "you're-almost-choking-me" hugs,
the "I-just-had-strawberry-jelly" kisses,
the "I-just-had-a-bad-dream" snuggles where they steal all the covers,
and the "Mom-do-you-have-a-minute" conversations.
Oh, and don't forget the piles of notes. I save them. I cherish them all. I would love to wallpaper my bedroom with them if I knew I was never moving again.
Nobody can take my place, because my place is from the Lord.
Psalm 113:9
He grants the barren woman a home,
Like a joyful mother of children.
Praise the LORD!
Yes, praise the Lord, who has blessed us Moms with children, and given us endless love and joy through their lives.
Just don't forget to read the fine print.
