There were a precious few years when I was both able to have my mother still living and also be a mother myself.  Such a scant space of time, but what an incredible joy.  On the fourth Sunday in Lent, Anglican, Episcopal, Catholic, and some Protestant churches in Europe celebrate this as the special day designated to honor mothers.  Originally it was once observed as a day on which people returned to visit their “mother” church.  During the 16th century people went to the church where they were baptized or to the nearest cathedral for the service held on Laetare Sunday.  It is the one break and day of celebration during the sobering time of Lent.  Mothering Sunday became a day when domestic servants were given the day off to visit their mother church and often their mothers as well.  It was often the only time that whole families could get together, as servants were not given free days on other occasions.  Children who were “in service” as household servants would pick wildflowers along the way to give to their mothers.  Eventually, this practice made its way into the church.  So in our church on this day if you have a mother they ask that you come to the front and choose a colored nosegay to present to her and pin on her clothing.  Today my little one went down and chose this one for me.  I nearly cried, as yellow was my mother’s favorite color, and my little one ALWAYS chooses pink.  It was such a special way of remembering my own mother, given to me by my precious daughter.  I knew it would wilt so I wanted to take a picture while it was still fresh.  For those who may never have known their mother I love that the clergy always says to please come take one to honor your mother or to honor someone who is like a mother to you.  The American author of “The Language of Flowers,” Vanessa Diffenbaugh, said:

“There’s still something so pure and heartfelt and emotional and genuine about a bouquet of flowers that, even with all the advances of technology and the millions of ways we have to communicate with each other, flowers are still relevant in my opinion.”

I agree; nothing can replace the silky touch, heady scent, and rich color of real flowers, particularly when given on Mothering Sunday.