Lent 4: Relationships

I regard today as Mothering Sunday, NOT Mothers' Day. It started in 16th Century Tudor England. On the fourth Sunday of Lent, people would go back to their 'mother churches'. And those who had left home for work [many of them still children] were allowed the day off for this, so they could go home to their family and worship together.

That was important - the opportunity to thank God for their roots, their families, and the faith tradition in which they had grown up. Mothers' Day was started in the USA by Anna Jarvis in 1907, when she held a memorial service for her own mother.  The idea took off in many states, and in 1914 the President declared the 2nd Sunday in May as a National Holiday. By 1920 Anna was campaigning for it to be stopped, as she was so disgusted by the commercialism surrounding it, and companies seeking to make money by selling gifts and cards! 

Today is not so much about mothers as about mothering. I am blessed in that I have three people for whom I have a special 'mothering' responsibility - Liz, Steph and Julian. And of course I care for their families too.

The dictionary defines mothering as 'having the characteristics of a mother, being caring, protective and kind, showing unconditional love'

You can be mothering towards someone without being their biological parent, or even a female.

In Matthew, Jesus says "O Jerusalem - how often I've ached to embrace your children, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings" In Isaiah 49, God declares "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you". Caring, protective, kind, showing unconditional love.
Today let us celebrate the people in our lives who 'mother' us - and seek to do what we can to show that kind of unconditional love to others. 
And let us continue to encourage young mothers for whom it is a 24/7 relentless responsibility. Children don't come with a handbook, and it is very hard sometimes. Last year when Liz and Jon were away and we were looking after Ro and Jess. On the 3rd day, Rosie looked us and said solemnly "You two are getting the hang of this parenting thing now, aren't you?"  I think she forgets we have been learning for over 40 years!
Finally, do not forget those people who find today extremely difficult - those who have lost their Mums, those who have lost their children, and those who longed for children of their own. but never had them. Maybe they need a card or a bunch of flowers too...