5 Reasons to Call Mom Before Mother’s Day

This may come as a shock to some of you, but your mom would like to hear from you more often than on Mother’s Day, Christmas and her birthday. How do I know because I am a mom who thoroughly enjoys hearing from her kids as often as possible. And because I didn’t call my mom often enough and now I can’t. She is gone from this life. That brings me to reason number one to call your mom before Mother’s Day.

#1. She may not be around to take your call come Mother’s Day. I know this is a little morbid, but it is a reality that death comes to us all. Or it could be that she becomes ill or has a stroke; something that would prevent her from taking your call while she is still alive. I don’t know what it is about moms, but we just assume she will always be around so we put off calling. We justify with she knows we are busy. She will understand. Trust me. She does understand. So she doesn’t intrude but, she knows she won’t always be around. She’d like you to call while she can still answer.

#2. She wants to hear your voice. Yep, you read correctly. She just wants to hear your voice. The voice of my kids reaches deep within me. It isn’t always pleasant when it is sad news or when we are at odds, but even then hearing their voice brings an immediate connection. And when it is good news or just catching up the sound of their voice stays with me for a long time. It refreshes me and encourages me. Often it brings me to my knees as I rehearse our conversation. They don’t have to tell me who they are. Even without caller ID, I know from the first syllable it is them and I am glad.

#3. You need to hear her voice. I know you don’t want to admit it being all grown up and all. But, your mom’s voice has been with you long before you spit out that amniotic fluid and took your first breath. I realize her voice may not have always been tender and loving. Most of your memories of her voice may be just the opposite. But, take the risk. Call. Maybe she has softened and so has her voice and you will have a new better memory. This leads to reason number four.

#4. You need to keep a short irritation list with your mom. Right now you may be at odds with her. Maybe you’ve been at odds for a long time. Maybe you haven’t spoken in months, years or decades. Maybe she doesn’t deserve your call let alone your love. Call anyway. Be the one to seek forgiveness and mean it. You may think she is the one who should be doing all the asking, but I bet there is something you need forgiveness for. You cannot control her response, but you can call and control yours. It will probably be awkward at first and it may not go exactly has you had hoped, but nothing will change, nothing will be healed until you call.

#5. And just in case you need another reason. Try this one. It is found in Exodus 20:12

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land

which the LORD your God gives you.” (NASB)

This is a commandment. I know it doesn’t say to call, but calling is a way to give honor because it is giving your time and your effort. You are putting your mom before yourself and that is honoring. And if you haven’t been honoring your mom, whether she deserves it or not, it may explain why things haven’t been going so well for you. Check out Ephesians 6:2-3

“HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise) SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.” (NASB)

So, what are you waiting for? Call! Oh, and this doesn’t mean you get off calling on Mother’s Day. Call then, too! If your like me and your mom isn’t living, thank God for her and then call a sibling or friend just because.

I know this is simplistic and relationships are never simple. My relationship with my mother was very complicated. But, I regret every time I should have called and I didn’t. Life really is too short.

I hope you will call and I trust God you and your mom will be glad you did. Let me know how it goes.