When you thought I wasn't looking

The major focus this week is on mothers. And it’s a good thing. But I sometimes wonder why we recognize mothers and their contribution just once a year, and why “Mother’s Day” is launched with such great commercial fanfare.

Every time I hear a lady say, “I’m just a homemaker,” or “I’m just a housewife,” I would gently remind that lady that what she does is actually the most important work in the world. No career, business or profession can ever match home-making! So may I suggest we drop the word “just” when talking about being a homemaker or a housewife, and recognize the importance of motherhood?

I came across this wonderful article credited to anonymity. I think sharing this is just fitting in keeping up with the celebration of the occasion.

When you thought I wasn’t looking

By a child

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I felt you kiss me good night, and I felt loved and safe.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked at you and wanted to say,

“Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking.’”

We influence our children heavily. And as I say in my parenting seminars, “My kids may not believe 100 percent of what I say, but they certainly believe 100 percent of what they see me do!”

When you study some of the great, positive, history-making figures, you will often find that they speak of the influence of a parent. Abraham Lincoln is quoted as saying, “All that I am I owe to my angel mother.” General Douglas MacArthur said, “My sainted mother taught me devotion to God and a love of country which have ever sustained me. To her I yield anew a son’s reverent thanks.” The great preacher G. Campbell Morgan had four sons who all became ministers. At a family reunion, a friend asked one of them, “Which Morgan is the greatest preacher?” With eyes beaming with delight, the son looked over to his father and said, “Why, it’s Mother!”

My favorite quote from Abraham Lincoln on mothers goes, “I regard no man as poor who has a godly mother.” I fully agree.

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