COLUMN: Give thanks on Mothering Sunday for those who have cared for you
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Food for Thought by Simon Scott
There was once a certain Drill Sergeant who was frustrated in his efforts to make a soldier out of a certain new recruit.
The trainee lagged behind on marches. He used any excuse to go to the sick bay, he grumbled constantly about the food and never made his bed properly.
But one day, a noticeable change took place in the young man’s attitude.
When asked to what he attributed the soldiers change in attitude, the drill sergeant explained: “Threats and punishment did not work, ....so I had to resort to the ultimate weapon: I called his mother!”
I am sure you will know that today is ‘Mother’s Day’ or to give it the proper title ‘Mothering Sunday’.
Telephone companies around the world record Mother’s Day as the busiest day of the year - that text or Instagram message just won’t do - children everywhere (of varying ages) feel the need to actually hear their mother’s voice on this day.
And similarly mother’s long to catch up with their children – all part of what is sometimes called ‘the joy of motherhood’.
One very wise mother when asked that very question gave this explanation:
“The joy of motherhood is what a woman experiences …. when all the children are finally in bed”.
Nowadays of course, we have come to understand that motherhood or mothering is not bound to a person of a particular gender or to biological ties.
Many people take on the role of mothering – of parenting – either in the absence of another or alongside someone who needs just that bit of support.
But what is important, what is right at the root of such relationships is love – a parent’s love.
Unconditional, forgiving, welcoming us despite all our faults and failings.
Now most of us from our own experience, understand that real parents are human - just like their children - and sometimes our relationships are not quite all wine and roses.
Sometimes we have experienced better relationships with people other than our birth parents, and the love and guidance we have received from them has been more significant in building and shaping our character.
On Mothering Sunday, Christians and people of other faiths are reminded of the love that God has for each of us.
A love that really is unconditional, forgiving, and welcomes us with open arms despite our many failings.
A love that is so strong that he gave his only son, so that we will be welcomed home with great rejoicing when our time comes.
Mothering Sunday is a day for greetings - a day for expressions of such love.
But it is also a day for remembering.
There will be some reading this article whose mothers or other significant figures in their lives have already been welcomed home as we will one day be - maybe a long time ago - maybe more recently and it’s just as important to take time remember them, to think about our mothers and those who have loved us - those who guided us, provided for us and cared for us.
Give thanks for those who have cared for you. For those who have shaped your character and those who brought you to know love and acceptance for who you are.
Father Simon Scott is the priest in charge at St Finnbarr’s Episcopal Church, School Hill, Dornoch.
