Tingplik Express

Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May is observed annually as an occasion to honour mothers. Attributes of a good mother are -godliness, compassion, patience, thrift, loyalty and the list goes on. The dictionary explains the word 'mother' as one who has given birth. This biological process results in a psychological bond between the mother and child. All the pains of childbirth that a mother undergoes is forgotten when she holds the child with immense joy. A mother will go to any length to feed and fend her child. A godly mother toils to serve her husband and children selflessly as she reflects selfless love. Motherhood presents us with a model of loyalty and dedication. She is faithful to her husband and children because she is faithful to God . She also reaches out to help those in need. Her inward adorning of character and integrity of heart is what makes her most attractive because inward beauty never fades but becomes more precious with time. Contemporary society throws new challenges on mothers as the home makers to fulfill God's divine purpose. Consumerism and liberalism has invaded every family and the problems have multiplied. The biblical command, to train up a child in the way he or she should go (Prov.22:6)is a call to create a strong foundation of God consciousness-personality that will stand in good stead in times of trouble. To do this, the bible also calls on mothers to be virtuous and to pattern their character after God's design (Prov.31:1-10).Ungodliness in contemporary society has created rebelliousness and destroyed family values. In the contemporary society, mothers can be as young as 18 years of age, unlike in the past when girls got married in their mid-20s.There are many young mothers today and so their concept of being a woman, wife and mother is not the same as the concept held by society in the past. Today single parenthood is no longer considered shocking and that in itself is shocking. Though both fathers and mothers equally share the responsibility of making a home, mothers play a prominent role in the development of spiritual values in the family. A virtuous women is strong in spirit as she waits on God for wisdom and strength and by her spirit, she can influence her children and husband. A virtuous mother will bring up virtuous children who will later become virtuous parents and raise virtuous children. Being virtuous also means being wise in being a good mother, wife, housekeeper and handling finances. It is true that a virtuous mother inspires her family to love and honour God. On Mother's Day, children can consider few ways through which they can honour them. First, honor them with obedience. Second, show love by deeds and not by the presents. Mothers need to be encouraged for what they are and Mother's Day should remind us to do so everyday.