I remember ever since I was a little girl that when Mother’s Day came around, my mother’s motto was, “Every day is Mother’s Day!” Whether her true belief or an excuse to get us off the hook (my father would have likely forgotten), we never celebrated it…or Father’s Day…or Grandparent’s Day (a new one, I believe?!)
I confess, there’s nothing I love more than breakfast in bed with a rose in a bud vase on Mother’s Day accompanied by smiling children and homemade cards (now replaced by hugs and kisses from older teens who don’t use crayons anymore). I do love a cause to celebrate – whatever the occasion. And yet I know these holidays bring a different meaning for me because I know they represent the expression of love that is a reminder, rather than a habit.
The essence of this message has been reinforced through the years by my husband Peter’s refusal to buy flowers on Valentine’s Day when the prices are set for beginners. He’ll buy roses any other of the 364 days of the year and is quite a romantic, but when pressured by society to do right by me along with millions of others, he knows better.
September 12th was International Angel Day. A part of me wanted to participate in a big way and join in the flurry of activity in the “angel community”. It would have been fun and may have even been a good business decision. But the rebel in me had other plans. I am a minister and teacher first.
When we focus on a special occasion like Mother’s Day, Angel Day, Groundhog Day (ok, kidding!), it’s an opportunity to bring special focus to something that we hold dear. We can tell ourselves that THIS day is the day that we will celebrate a gift that is precious in our lives. So why once every 365 days for something so sacred? And it can’t be denied that for many of us, this once a year big bang is a chance to make up for all the other days that we’ve been less than perfect in our relationship with…our mothers…our angels.
I declare today (for me anyways) International Angel Day…and Mother’s Day…and Father’s Day…and Husband’s Day…and Children’s Day.
Today is a day to celebrate all that we are gifted with in this earthly life, because once a year is not enough!
In celebration of YOU! Rev. Nina
