Mother, May I?

 

I've been giving Mother Nature a hard time lately for which I humbly apologize. I've been complaining about the weather - from cold, to hot, to frost, and, of course, the endless rain. It's the kind of thing that grates on the nerves of all gardeners whose hands are itching to get into the dirt and start planting. So far, the only dirt I've been able to get my hands into are my houseplants! Meanwhile with all this rain, we're still trying to mow the lawn for the first time before we need a machete and a jungle guide.!

Mothers' Day is tomorrow. I want to tell Mother Nature how sorry I am for complaining to her all the time and not thanking her for all the blessings she has always bestowed on me. Thank you for bringing the leaves back on the trees and showering me with blossoms whenever the breeze blows. Thank you for the morning birdsong that greets me every morning and the sound of baby birds chirping in the nests. Thank you for the first tiny shoots of green coming out of the ground, and the promise of tulips and crocus to come. Thank you for the return of the geese who are my spirit guides and inspiration to not be afraid to fly. Thank you for breathing life into all of us.

It's sad to think that we humans often forget to thank the mothers of this world until a holiday comes along to remind us to do so. We forget all that they do for us, not just our own mothers, but those who are mothering all of us: teachers, doctors, nurses, pastors, friends, even the lady that cuts our hair. When you care for the needs of others, you are mothering. So, to all the women of the world, and some men as well, I want to say, "thank you," for nursing us, feeding us, guiding us, and loving us. Without you the world would not survive.

And so it is.