Anna Marie Jarvis, following the death of her mother on May 9, 1905 established what we know today as Mothers’ Day.  On May 8, 1914 the U.S. Congress passed a law designating the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day.  Since that time every May we honor our mothers.  I know at my house it is THE most important day of the year!  Mothers are more than special.  When was the last time you saw a pro athlete on television say “Hi Dad!”  It’s always “Hi Mom!”  We tend to hang on people’s last words.  I’m told that soldiers on the battlefield who have been wounded and are about to die, the most frequent last word is “Mother.”  The bond we have with our mothers lasts for a lifetime and therefore we are quick to honor and show love for our mothers.

God Himself pays tribute to mothers.  As Jesus hung on the cross he asked his best friend John to take care of his mother Mary.  The Bible says John did so from that day forward.  The Bible also pays tribute to Mothers in Proverbs 31.  It is there we find the attributes of the “Ideal Mother.”

She Works Hard for Her Family – “She gets us while it is still dark and provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.” Proverbs 31:15.  How many times do we hear of the sacrifice and hard work of mothers?  Doing whatever it takes to provide for the needs of their family.  I remember my own mother always putting me and my sibling’s needs before her own.

She is Concerned with the Needs of Others – “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” Proverbs 31:20.  The ideal mother not only cares for her own family but also looks out for the neighborhood kids as well.  If there is a child in need she is there with open arms to bandage a wound or feed a hungry mouth.

She Pours Wisdom Into Her Children – “She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”  Proverbs 31:26.  We all remember words of wisdom our mother’s pounded into our brains over and over again.  It’s a mother’s wise words that can keep us out of trouble and on the right path in life.

She is Blessed by Her Family – “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:  Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Proverbs 31: 28-29.  The ideal mother is honored by her family.  One of God’s top ten commands tells us to “honor father and mother.”  When we are young that means we obey when we are adults that means we respect.  The ideal mother is always honored and blessed by her family.

Some might argue there is no such thing as the “ideal mother.”  My response would be, “you haven’t met my mother!”  Be sure to honor your mother on May 9, 2010!