The country of my birth does not have Mother’s Day on its calendar. I did not know of this special day until visiting countries that id celebrate it in my teens. Now with children myself I have become the focus for them on this day thanks to their school, the media and of course retailers and restaurants who want to maximize their revenue at this time.

Recently, as they have gotten older, the children’s attitude seems to of changed. This made me think and precipitated me to do a little digging into the roots of this celebration and meditate on this change in my children’s attitudes and responses. In anticipation of Mother’s Day this weekend, here are a few things I’ve read and meditated on.

The history of Mother’s Day dates back to the year 1908. It was created by Anna Jarvis,who after the death of her own mother wanted to honor the sacrifices mothers made for their children.

Now it has became a western tradition which honors motherhood and is celebrated across the globe.

This week at my children’s school I was invited to a Mother’s Day afternoon tea. Tables were set beautifully, flowers, cakes, music and presents carefully wrapped and packed by the kids.

The most delightful part of the afternoon was to see the children welcoming and hosting their moms for the event.

On arrival my kids ran towards me welcomingly, smiles stretched across there faces and took me to the table to be served, as it had been arranged with their teachers. I could tell that they were not doing it out of duty, but pleasure and love.

Their sweetness was melting my heart and there was one word in my mind- reciprocity.

As a parent It is quite rewarding to see the qualities God intended developing in your children…Reciprocity 

1. It is fundamental principle in any healthy relationship.
2. It’s one of the basic laws of psychology.
3. It’s widely used in business situations.

Any quality in us which brings out good in others is The Creators seed in us and, by cultivating it we will greatly benefit as a society generally. At a very base level we teach our children and encourage ourselves to not just receive but also give with a generous heart. This is not just money or goods but most importantly time and a respect of others that is natural and not forced.

Bible is full of examples of law of reciprocity. One of my favorites is in Luke 6:38

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (NIV)

Thanks for all mothers ( and teachers) who are mindful of developing a giving spirit in children.

And as Mother’s Day is approaching set aside some time just to say thanks.

I’m sure she’d love to hear from you!