As I look back on past Mother's Day weekends, I realize that I really blew it sometimes. The first years of our marriage, Mother's Day rolled around and I reasoned that Melody was my wife — not my mother — so I didn't get her anything to recognize the day as special.

The next year, however, I had learned my lesson. I had discovered the hard way, that my wife was indeed a mother, and that I needed to recognize that fact. I thought about it for awhile, and came home with the perfect gift (I thought), a rubber tree plant. Melody was not impressed! Kirk (9 months old) liked it better than she did. He proceeded to pull all of the leaves off of it in the following weeks.

I still didn't understand why Melody wasn't impressed with my thoughtfulness, but eventually, somewhere along the past 41 years, I figured it out. I don't make those foolish mistakes as often now. Now, when I suggest doing something special to celebrate Mother's Day she says, "It's not necessary. Our boys will make it special for me!" I've wondered if it could be she just doesn't want to take a chance on another rubber tree plant!

This is one special day that I am in favor of celebrating!

Guys, just in case you need some help, jewelry, perfume, clothing, thoughtful cards, a nice meal, or a visit to some place special to her are appreciated by the mothers in your life — whether they are your mother or the mother of your children! Rubber tree plants, tools, and oil changes are not usually seen as something very personal or appreciative for one who carried you for 9 months in her body and gave you life!

The apostle Paul, writing to the church in Ephesus, penned these words:

Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 'Honor your father and mother.' This is the first of the Ten Commandments that ends with a promise (Ephesians 6:1-2 NLT).

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Russ Lawson is a former missionary to Africa and minister in Ohio. He now works with World Christian Literature Outreach and writes a weekly email devotional, Messages from the Heart. For more information about Russ, click here.

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