Freshly picked flowers, sticky kisses, and toast crumbs in the sheets. Yep, tomorrow will be Mother’s Day when mothers everywhere will endure cold coffee and burnt toast while lying in bed surrounded by beaming offspring!

It is a custom that goes back to 1872 when Julia Ward Howe (she wrote “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”) suggested setting aside June 2 as a day to observe Mother’s Day and dedicate the day to peace. Her suggestion was supported by Anna Jarvis who, in 1905, started a campaign for an annual religious celebration honouring mothers. Anna Jarvis was not a mother herself but she spent most of her adult life caring for her own mother and was concerned that many women who needed care were being neglected by their adult children. Over the years we have come to call it “Christian Family Sunday”.

This Sunday we will baptize three babies. Each family comes presenting the little one that they have been given. They ask our congregation to support them and assist them as they raise their child. It is a beautiful ritual. The child, held over the baptismal font by the minister, is splashed with water. All present pray for God’s blessing on this little one and with that the infant is launched on his or her Christian journey.

In my experience parents are humbled and vulnerable at the birth of a child. There is nothing to compare to that moment when their baby is first placed into their waiting arms. The birth of a child makes us realize the need for community, the need for support beyond ourselves. The African expression of “It takes a village to raise a child” is fully understood by parents as they call upon relatives, friends, and community to mentor, educate, advise and support as they raise their children.

The day reminds us that, in fact, we need community and support at any age and stage of life. There are many people who play a nurturing role as we grow and develop. Even into mature years we look to others for advice and support.

Who are the mentors and role models that have influenced your growth? Have there been particular people that influenced you in your spiritual journey? A Sunday School teacher? A minister? A neighbor?  Your mother?