The other day I overheard my daughter asking her father what they were doing for Mother's Day. I smiled to myself and my heart just puffed up. Whether she knows it or not, my daughter moved from the mother/child stage into the mother/daughter stage. She became one of us--a nurturing, caring (young) woman. Whether she draws me a picture, composes a new song, or picks out some flowers, I know she does it with a different sensibility than she did when she was 5 or 6. And while my daughter has much to accomplish and learn in life before becoming a mother, I am always amazed at the natural, nurturing instinct of women.

I think that back in 1914 when Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May should honor mothers, he had a noble goal in his heart. But honoring Mothers is only half of the equation. Mothers love Mother's Day not for the recognition, but for their children. Mothers with infants and small children look into those little faces and just overflow with love. As the mother of a tween I look into the face of my daughter and see the beginning of the woman-and mother-she will be. That face is the greatest gift I have ever been given in my life--and I am so grateful.

Happy Mother's Day!