When I was a little girl, our church always had the kids sing this special little song at Mother’s Day. One of our Sunday School teachers would make signs with big glittery letters
My mom and me at my daughter's wedding in 2009
that six lucky ones would get to hold out in front of them as we sang. If you were holding a sign, then when your letter was sung you had to hold it up high for everyone to see.
You probably know the song. If you don’t, then you are way younger than me! The original lyrics were written in 1915 and the song is titled “Mother.”
“M” is for the Many things she gave me,
“O” means only that she’s growing Old.
“T” is for the Tears she shed to save me,
“H” is for her Heart of purest gold.
“E” is for her Eyes with love light shining,
“R” means Right and Right she’ll always be.
Put them all together, they spell MOTHER. A word that means the world to me.
I’m not sure why I thought that song was so great back then. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be reminded that I’m just “growing old” on a day set aside to honor me.
With Mother’s Day just a few days away, I’d like to propose a few changes to the lyrics. Yes, my version flatters us moms a little more. But more importantly, they reflect the Christian principles on which my mother raised me and on which I’ve tried to mother my own children.
“M” is for the Many ways she loves me,
“O” means Only that she’s growing wise.
“T” is for the Truth she worked to teach me,
“H” is for her Heart of greatest size.
“E” is for her Eyes that look to Jesus.
“R” means Rich with grace she’ll always be.
Put them all together, they spell MOTHER. A word that means God’s love to me.
Would love to hear what M-O-T-H-E-R means to you!
Oh, Kathy, that just brings tears to my eyes! Blessings to you!
Love that, Kathy! Hope you have a very Happy Mother’s Day!!
Love this! Your creative rendition is perfect. Happy Mother’s Day to you and your mom.