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| Mary Cassatt |
An old Jewish proverb goes "God could not be everywhere, therefore he made Mothers". Today is Mother's Day; one day in 365 when children stop to really contemplate the sacrifice of their mothers. The service mothers render to their children is holy and sacred. From the time of conception, women begin to sacrifice for their child- they sacrifice comfort and physique. Then the baby is born (after much much more sacrifice) and more is given. Often women give up careers and personal ambitions for the good of their children, not to mention personal comforts. The first sacrifice of motherhood was made by Eve in the Garden of Eden. She partook of the fruit that enabled her to become mortal and have children, and in consequence to that action was subject to pain and sadness. She left the wonder of the garden to become a mother, multiplying and replenishing the earth. I believe a mother's service to her children is comparable to the service and sacrifice Christ rendered during his time on earth. The picture to the left is one of my all time favorites, a mother and child piece by Mary Cassatt. This piece alludes to the Bible recording of Christ washing the feet of his disciples. Christ served and taught His people while He lived on the earth, and so Mothers serve and teach their children. They teach the love of God by loving. Mothers teach service by serving. Though I am not a mother, I have been served and taught by many strong women in my life. My own mother showed me unconditional love many times in my life, which helped me to understand how my Heavenly Father can love me even when I make mistakes. She has humbly served her family and many many others throughout her life, and to me, her service is holy. No cake pan or breakfast in bed can ever compensate for the sacrifices made, but I hope one day to be just like my mother, for she truly spreads the love of God everywhere she goes.
