My fellow Rotarians and friends of Rotary,

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Constance Smith learned about Anna Jarvis' effort to honour America's moms by establishing an annual "Mother's Day" in 1913. Constance was inspired by this idea and decided to recreate Mothering Sunday, promoting it as a day to honour mothers and the mother church. As a result, Mothering Sunday is celebrated early in the year throughout the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

Throughout history, poets and orators have been lavish in their praise of motherhood. George Washington said, "My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw." All I am, I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual, and physical education I received from her.'

Abraham Lincoln wrote, "My mother's prayers... have always followed me." They've clung to me all my life.' 

And Charles Haddon Spurgeon said, 'I cannot tell you how much I owe to the solemn word of my good mother.'

There is no other job on the planet that involves the wide range of skills and knowledge that a mother needs to carry out her daily responsibilities. Take a moment to consider what her job entails. She'll need to work as a resident psychologist, doctor, theologian, educator, nurse, chef, taxi driver, fire warden, and occasional cop. Consider how much it would cost you to hire all of those skill sets. Even if you could, how would you know if they were trustworthy?

The remarkable thing is that most mothers would be able to complete this task with love and knowledge. That's because God gave them the ability to excel at what they do. He also instilled in them a love for their children. To protect the children entrusted to their care, they would actually lay down their lives. That is why, on Mother's Day and every other day of the year, they are deserving of our admiration.

So my message to you is- 'Give your mother a reason to be glad; honour your mother with your words and deeds'.

Could there be a worthier tribute?

 

Rotary Service to You

Thaya Ponniah