Mothers Day....

 

Yesterday, I had one of those odd experiences when a memory just hits you at the most surprising time.  I was wandering the aisles of Walgreens, trying to kill some time before a meeting, and then this memory came.....in the candy aisle....a bag of "Bridge Mix.  My mom loved "Bridge Mix" and would often put a bag in the grocery cart.  It was her one little indulgence when I was young.   She loved all of it, but I remember that she liked the dark chocolate pieces, especially.   Yes, my mom loved chocolate.  Right next to the bag of "Bridge Mix" was the chocolate covered raisins.  Another thing that she loved.   Quite honestly, I don't even know what is in "Bridge Mix"!  I found this description on line... A variety of raisins, peanuts, and almonds covered in milk and dark chocolate as well as milk chocolate pecans and cashews make up this chocolate bridge mix. An excellent addition to any party or gathering! As a matter of fact, bridge mix got it's name from the mix that high society ladies would eat while playing bridge!   Since my mom did play Bridge, I guess that's where she first tasted this candy.   Today as I was thinking about this memory of mom, I realized that I don't think my dad ever gave her a box of really good chocolate.  In her later years, her grandchildren often sent her boxes of candy (which she loved getting!).   Given that it is Mothers Day week and also next week was my Mom's birthday, it is not surprising that I am thinking about her.  Ah, Mothers Day! 

My kids call Mothers Day a "Hallmark Holiday".  They feel the same way about Fathers Day.  It is really not that important in our house.   My mom really loved the holiday, but it was unfortunate that her birthday (May 15th) always fell around Mothers Day.  So she often got "combined" recognition.  I always tried to mail that Mothers Day card a week or so earlier than her birthday.  That way she got to enjoy both special occasions.   It's really funny that it honestly doesn't bother me that we don't make a big deal out of this day.  BUT I do wish that I could still have my mom around to honor her.   Isn't that something?  I guess I am always the daughter on Mothers Day. 

This week I helped a bunch (26) of three year olds make a present for their mommies.  First I created these salt dough hearts. 

 The kids painted these and then we added their thumb prints in the middle of the heart.  And a magnet on the back.  For a card we created these yarn wrapped tulips and wrote "Happy Mothers Day" on the stick.

They were all so excited to give these packages to their moms!  You could feel the joy and the delight in each of them as they passed on the present to their moms.  It made the week very enjoyable. 

 

I know that I promised more from Sunday, and I really do have more to share.  I just don't know exactly when that will be!   Today, this is what was in my spirit to share.   It feels a bit like a prelim to Mothers Day.  I don't always know WHY things show up on this blog.  I am just trying to be true to the original intent of this blog..... honesty.   Today, I just felt that I needed to share about my mom and Mothers Day.   And the joy of working with preschoolers who love their mommy with all their heart. 

 

Isn't it interesting how Jesus uses little things to bring us to exactly what we need?  I love that I got to really think about my mom today, and this little thing about who she was.  And I am so glad that even though it was a busy week, I loved helping these kids make something for their moms and hoping that she will love it.  

 

Jesus, thank you for helping us honor and remember our mothers.  Holy Spirit,  remind us to take time to remember all that you have given us in our families.  Thank you for the joy and delight of little children.  Jesus, help us to all be as little children.   Thank you for the grace to write what is on my heart.  Give me courage to continue to share what you have shown to me.   Jesus, thank you for mothers!   Amen