The Palm of His Hands

Behold Thy Mother

Today in the United States, and 80 other countries around the world, is Mother’s Day a day for us to remember and express appreciation for our mothers. Nearly all countries celebrate Mother’s Day, some today, others on days other than the second Sunday in May. This holiday began here in the U.S through the efforts of Anna Jarvis when she wanted to recognize her mother’s efforts in caring “for wounded soldiers on both sides of the Civil War” in 1908:

“Due to the campaign efforts of Anna Jarvis, several states officially recognized Mother's Day, the first in 1910 being West Virginia, Jarvis’ home state. In 1914 Woodrow Wilson signed the proclamation creating Mother’s Day, the second Sunday in May, as a national holiday to honor mothers. In a thank-you note to Wilson Jarvis wrote of a “great Home Day of our country for sons and daughters to honor their mothers and fathers and homes in a way that will perpetuate family ties and give emphasis to true home life.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother's_Day)

The greatest example we have about the importance of our mothers is shown by the Lord Jesus Christ and the love he had for his mother. As he hung on the cross his mother was there with others and she was weeping. In the midst of his own pain and suffering he wanted to make sure his mother was cared for. The scriptures show how much he loved his mother:

 26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

 27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

Jesus loved his mother and was concerned about her welfare after he was gone and made sure that she would be cared for. What have we done to make sure that our mothers have their needs provided for or are we still thinking what our mother is going to do for us?

My mother is 87 years old and most of her day is spent serving her grandchildren and great grandchildren. He whole life is still spent serving others when she really deserves to be pampered and taken care of. Her selfless service exemplifies the Savior’s love and I appreciate and love her for it.

  

Sister Julie B. Beck, Relief Society General President in 2007, spoke about mothers. She said:

“Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world’s goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. Their goal is to prepare future fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord’s kingdom for the next 50 years. That is influence; that is power.” (“Mothers Who Know”, Julie B. Beck, General Conference, October 2007)

I would like to share a short video that typifies what guys think of the job our wives have as mothers of our children. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did:

Even though it was humorous, the father at the end was honest in his feelings for the hard work it is to be a mother. Being a full-time mother at the same time as being a full-time wife and often supporting a full-time job is not easy and we need to recognize what we can do to lessen the stress and contribute equally in our duties in the home and be a full-time father that she will appreciate and your children will know of your love as well. Speaking of the impact a righteous mother has on her family Elder M. Russell Ballard said:

“Sisters, we, your brethren, cannot do what you were divinely designated to do from before the foundation of the world. We may try, but we cannot ever hope to replicate your unique gifts. There is nothing in this world as personal, as nurturing, or as life changing as the influence of a righteous woman.” (“Mothers and Daughters”, M. Russell Ballard, General Conference, April 2010)

Here is another two-minute video titled “Every Time a Child Is Born, So Is a Mother”

Here is another two-minute clip about the holy calling of motherhood:

Not only am I grateful for my mother, I am grateful for the mother of my four children. I am grateful for the sacrifice she made to bring our children into this world, to teach them to love God and the power of prayer. I am grateful that she is still making those sacrifices with our nine grandchildren. There is no other calling greater than that of a mother. In “The Family: A Proclamation To The World” is states:

“Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. “

I would like to wish my mother, my wife and all mothers a happy mother’s day. I hope it will be one filled with love and gratitude for all you do. I would like to share one final video. It is a Mother’s Day Special program of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s Music & The Spoken Word from May 12, 2013.