Encouragement Challenge #19: Honoring Mothers

 Happy Mother's Day! 

On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the first national Mother's Day as a day for American citizens to display the flag in honor of mothers whose sons had died in war. Here is a portion of the Presidential proclamation from this day:  

"Now, Therefore, I, Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the said Joint Resolution, do hereby direct the government officials to display the United States flag on all government buildings and do invite the people of the United States to display the flag at their homes or other suitable places on the second Sunday in May as a public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country."  (You can read the full proclamation on THE PRESIDENT WOODROW WILSON HOUSE BLOG)

Over the years, Mother's Day has morphed into a special day when we acknowledge ALL mothers for the roll they have played in our lives. While there are many different ways to celebrate and honor  mothers, I think its important to realize that most mothers don't really care about how much you spend on them. They are happiest when you simply show you care about them through a meaningful act of your time.

ENCOURAGEMENT CHALLENGE #19:

Consider using one of these ideas to honor your mother this week. (NOTE:  If your mother is deceased, several of these ideas can still be done in honor of her.)

1.  If it works out good for your family, consider cooking her a special meal at home. If you do this, be sure to do ALL the grocery shopping, meal prep, and clean-up. Set the table nice and just let her relax. If you can't cook, or if your mother REALLY wants to go out to a restaurant, let her choose the place to go.

2.  Instead of buying cut flowers that will die in a week, consider planting potted flowers (or a tree) in  her backyard (or in your own backyard if she is deceased). You could even make a minimum $10.00 donation to THE ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION in your mother's honor. Each dollar donated will plant one tree in one of our nation's forests, so $10.00 will plant 10 trees.

3.  Instead of buying expensive gifts, just spend time with her. If you live too far away, be sure to at least call her and talk to her on the phone for awhile. She just wants to know you care about her.  

4. Write a thank-you note to your mom for the roll she has played in your life. Even if you had a mother who was not very loving towards you, or who was absent a lot of the time, you can at least thank her for giving you life instead of aborting you.

5.  Ask your mother what she wants you to pray about for her, then pray for her daily this week (or longer if you like). 

6.  Make a donation in your mom's name to her favorite charity or religious organization.

7.  Name a star after her at STAR-REGISTRATION.

8.  Tell her you love her and show her that love in your actions.