I’m not one for big celebrations. Growing up in a family and culture where celebrations were rare, I honestly can’t remember ever having a birthday party. My parents often didn’t even realize what day it was when my birthday came around. It’s something I laugh about now, and it never really bothered me—it was just normal.
When it comes to my own children, I do things a bit differently, but I still don’t make a big fuss over most occasions. So, it came as no surprise that I didn’t realize it was Mother’s Day Weekend until I arrived at church this past Sabbath. The tables were set, and the men were busier than usual. It’s customary for the men to take charge of lunch on Mother’s Day. While this post isn’t about the amazing job they did, I do want to take a moment to thank them for the thoughtful and delicious meal they prepared for us.
Sunday started like any other day. I’d had a rough week, feeling overwhelmed after losing my watch and, a few days later, my keys. I’m not a fan of misplacing things, and with several readings and assignments due, I was quite stressed. Despite this, my eldest daughter had other plans. She suggested we go out, and after I finished my tasks, we got ready around 6:00 pm.
Since it was Mother’s Day, I wasn’t allowed to drive. My eldest took control of the car keys and guided me to the front passenger seat. She even brought her younger brother, who is six, and sister, who is one, along for the ride.
She surprised us by taking us to one of our favorite spots, Ni Ramen. Although it’s not a fully plant-based restaurant, they offer some fantastic vegan options. Their Ramen noodle soup is incredible, especially with the kale noodles. We also love their vegan vegetable dumplings and tofu bao buns—yum! Check out the pictures below.
As I found myself in a different setting with my children, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy and pride. Seeing my thoughtful and appreciative daughter model these qualities for her younger siblings was a testament to the profound influence of motherhood. This experience reminded me of the solemnity and significance of our role as mothers. I would like to share with you all a portion from the book Adventist Home, Chapter 39 on the “Influence of A Mother.”
The Sphere of a Mother’s Influence
The sphere of the mother may be humble, but her influence, united with the father’s, is as abiding as eternity. Next to God, the mother’s power for good is the strongest known on earth.
The mother’s influence is an unceasing influence; and if it is always on the side of right, her children’s characters will testify to her moral earnestness and worth. Her smile, her encouragement, may be an inspiring force. She may bring sunshine to the heart of her child by a word of love, a smile of approval.
When her influence is for truth, for virtue, when she is guided by divine wisdom, what a power for Christ will be her life! Her influence will reach on through time into eternity. What a thought is this—that the mother’s looks, words, and actions bear fruit in eternity, and the salvation or ruin of many will be the result of her influence.
The Legacy of a Mother
Little does the mother realize that her influence in the judicious training of her children reaches with such power through the vicissitudes of this life, stretching forward into the future, immortal life. To fashion a character after the heavenly Model requires much faithful, earnest, persevering labor; but it will pay, for God is a rewarder of all well-directed labor in securing the salvation of souls.
Like Mother—Like Children—The tenderest earthly tie is that between the mother and her child. The child is more readily impressed by the life and example of the mother than by that of the father, for a stronger and more tender bond of union unites them.
The thoughts and feelings of the mother will have a powerful influence upon the legacy she gives her child. If she allows her mind to dwell upon her own feelings, if she indulges in selfishness, if she is peevish and exacting, the disposition of her child will testify to the fact. Thus, many have received as a birthright almost unconquerable tendencies to evil. The enemy of souls understands this matter much better than do many parents. He will bring his temptations to bear upon the mother, knowing that if she does not resist him, he can through her affect her child. The mother’s only hope is in God. She may flee to Him for strength and grace; and she will not seek in vain.
A Christian mother will ever be wide awake to discern the dangers that surround her children. She will keep her own soul in a pure, holy atmosphere; she will regulate her temper and principles by the word of God and will faithfully do her duty, living above the petty temptations which will always assail her.
Keep Being the Best Mammas
Your role is divine. Keep being the best mammas you can be, for your influence shapes not just the present, but eternity.
Itz Holistically Wholesome 
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