Today we have Jodi Skulley, content editor for ParentLife magazine, joining us to talk about Mother’s Day. You know it’s just a month away (May 8 to be exact). You can check out more from Jodi and the ParentLife team on the ParentLife blog.
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I still remember vividly my very first Mother’s Day gift … granted I’ve only had two so far … so it’s not that hard to remember! My little boy, Jack, was almost 10 months old at the time. My husband, Jason, took the time to help Jack paint his handprint all over the mat of a picture frame. Then he used the mat to frame one of Jack’s 9-month photos. He knew I would be the first one to head downstairs on Mother’s Day morning, so he strategically placed it on the landing of our stairs. I was so surprised I cried happy tears. It is a gift I will treasure forever!
I also remember how excited I was to go to church that morning. Our church, like so many other churches (maybe even yours), has a special time of recognition for moms on Mother’s Day. After several years of watching other moms stand, wishing longingly to be one of them, I was thrilled to be able to proudly stand and be recognized as a mom.
Sometimes it is easy for moms to feel unnoticed or underappreciated, but on the flip side, it doesn’t take much to make us feel appreciated either. It is the simple things that bring us joy! A simple handmade picture frame or being able to stand and be recognized are things that make our day … and give us the energy to keep pressing on through the challenges of motherhood.
Can you think of some simple ways you can make the mothers in your church feel encouraged and appreciated this Mother’s Day? Maybe it’s simply offering a smile and encouraging words as they bring their children into your children’s ministry area. Or maybe it is offering a simple gift such as a bookmark or a rose. Maybe you can encourage Sunday School classes to plan something special for moms in their classes. One very practical way to encourage mothers is to provide each of them with a copy of ParentLife … a gift that will keep giving encouragement throughout the week … in everyday life when mothers need it most.
It doesn’t take much … but take it from me — the small things you do for the mothers in your ministry this Mother’s Day can make all the difference!
Jodi Skulley is the content editor for ParentLife magazine. You can read more from Jodi on the ParentLife blog.
