When you think of 2020, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Of course, I hear Covid-19; I hear online schooling; I hear lockdown, and we can go on and on.
What comes to my mind are the mothers – the married ones and single ones. This article is entitled “Seven Qualities of a Good Mother”.
How were they able to handle 2020? Yes, I know the dads are important, and they did a lot, but this month is Mother’s May.
A Good Mother
I am speaking as a parent of two children, ages 13 and 10. Even though it was hard, my wife and I adjusted. Thank God for the assistance we got – and continue to receive – from my mother-in-law during this period.
What about single moms? How are the single mothers doing? I know quite a few single mothers who continue to manage under pressure.
Sometimes we don’t give enough credit to those mothers who get things done, no matter the challenge. To you super moms out there, thank you. You are loved and appreciated.
1. Supportive
Just as there were adjustments in businesses for them to stay afloat, so were adjustments at home. The adjustments for parents were complex, especially parents with young children.
Parents are, by nature, supportive; however, last year, mothers had to go an extra 10 miles, not just a mile, to make sure everybody was okay.
They had to move the office to home and also had to supervise their children for online schooling.
2. Caring
They have always been caring, but over the last year, they took it to another level. As a result of operating from home, mothers made sure everything was in place for work and school. Their responsibilities escalated. It should not just be Mother’s Day.
It should be Mother’s Week; they deserve much more than a day. Now is our time to show them some love. Let’s show them we care and treat them the way a good mother should be treated.
3. Nurturing
Like most homes, ours was a mixture of home, office, and school. In the beginning, there was a battle for space and quiet.
Yes, the children’s mother and I worked as a team, but I don’t know what I would have done if she wasn’t there. And like most mothers, she was able to manage it all while trying to live through a pandemic safely.
4. Loving
We also need to say a special thank you to the mothers who work in the essential services. They couldn’t be at home with their children while they were on the front lines.
These are a special breed (doctors, nurses, police offices, etc.), knowing that they had to scrub down properly before going home at the ending of a shift.
They have a call on their life to do what they do while at the same time fulfilling their role as a parent.
5. Responsible
Parents are known to be responsible, and since March 2020, their responsibilities have increased exponentially.
Apart from ensuring that all went well with online schooling for their children, they also took care of the everyday home responsibilities. Some mothers had to deal with working longer hours online.
While homework was always part of their lives, dependency on mothers to assist and motivate is now through the roof. Their responsibilities increased, and yet they handled it.
Both employers and fathers shouldn’t take them for granted and find a unique way to say thank you to every good mother.
6. Patience
I am sure many mothers let out a scream or two (or three or four) over the last year because it was a lot to handle and still is. The responsibilities didn’t come on gradually; they came all at once.
One week life was normal and the next your home is turned into a school and office. I am sure their patience was tested many times over during this period.
Those who don’t have young children will not understand or fully appreciate what mothers and fathers went through and continue to go through.
Why? The last time the world went through something like this, they were not alive.
7. Forgiving
Parents have a special love for their children; unconditional love.
Christians know this type of love as “agape” – that’s the type of love our Father in heaven has for us, and, as a result, we can forgive our children for their failings many times over.
The scriptures teach about the importance of forgiveness – Matthew 6:14, Matthew 18:21-22, Mark 11:25, Luke 6:37 are but a few examples – both in the minor issues and the significant issues of life.
These seven are just a few of the many good qualities of a good mother.
Mother’s Day
The first official Mother’s Day was celebrated in the United States, West Virginia, on May 10, 1908. So this year, we will celebrate the 113th anniversary of Mother’s Day.
After all the challenges of 2020, we need to show our wives and mothers, extra love, on that particular day. This is quite often a thankless 24/7 job.
We need to treat them like the queens that they are. The effects of this virus might continue for a while, so give them something to take them through the next twelve months as they enjoy their day and week.
For those fathers who are the breadwinners, your income needs to be adequately protected.
Conclusion
Happy Mother’s Day.
Let’s use this opportunity to say thank you; we have shared some links to some gift ideas that will go a long way to showing your appreciation.
We spare a thought and prayer for fathers who lost their wives. May the Lord bless and keep you all strong as you continue to be the role models you are.
God bless you and stay safe.
