Happy Mother's Day

Welcome once again to soulkids – this month in honour of all the mothers in the world!

Many countries around the world have dedicated one day of the year to honour the role of the Mother, and this day, the second Sunday in May for us in Australia, is fast approaching.

`Abdu'l-Bahá said: ‘It is clear... That the future generation depends on the mothers of today. Is not this a vital responsibility for the woman? Does she not require every possible advantage to equip her for such a task?’ Paris Talks, p.162

The clarity which can be found in the words of many of the Baha’i Writings specifically relating to the education of children and the role of mothers is unmistakeable – each and every one of them is like a ray of light, a gem in itself. All the emotions, the overwhelming love coupled with immense responsibility a mother feels, begins at the very moment of conception. What greater anticipation can one feel than that just before the birth of their child? What greater gift can one be given than that of a new ‘bundle of joy’ full of promise and hope for the future? And what greater show of trust can be given to all the mothers and fathers in the world from Him?

With the joys of motherhood come certain tears, sleepless nights, times of uncertainty and times of triumph. So many questions, and not always clear answers. I always tell my children that every day is Mother’s Day since my job is never done. I have always got room to grow and learn and become a better mother for my task is so great and I really do bring myself to account each day. I am so humbled by the honour of being acknowledged for my contribution to their lives.

It cannot be more clearly stated than by Shoghi Effendi himself:
‘The task of bringing up a child, as emphasized time and again... Is the chief responsibility of the mother, whose unique privilege is indeed to create in her home such conditions as would be most conducive to both his material and spiritual welfare and advancement. The training which a child first receives through his mother constitutes the strongest foundation for his future development, and it should therefore be the paramount concern...’

For all the late nights, the help with the homework, the times you lay awake in your bed waiting for them to come home at night; for all the school drop-offs and pick-ups, for all the hats and costumes you stitched for the various parades, for all the late night hot chocolates you made to sooth a broken heart, for all the tears you shed together when Nemo got lost or when Shrek and Fiona got married; for all the advice you gave (which they will put into practice... one day), for the way you held their hand during their visit to the dentist and during their immunisation; for all the songs you sang, the stories you read, the prayers you said; for the way you held them in your arms and gave them a shoulder to cry on when someone was lost, or something was found; for all the companioning – physical, emotional, spiritual and mental...

I honour you – precious treasures, mothers of the future of the world, and wholeheartedly wish you a Happy Mother’s Day, today and every day.

The Editor