We have seen and heard many Mother’s Day advertisements. Some make an imprint, especially those with a touching line that brings home a special message. I was thinking about Mother’s Day, and this particular advertisement line popped into my head, “Mothers are like that, yeah they are.” This line stuck with me because a little child who felt and experienced a mother’s love and care wanted other children to experience the same thing.
I googled the line and had no problem finding the Bayer Aspirin advertisement. It is a classic!
Little Mike knocks on his friend Susie’s door—Mike’s dog accompanies him. Susie’s mother opens the door, greets Mike, and tells him Susie cannot come out to play. She explains that Susie has a cold and the doctor wants her to stay in bed. Indeed, Mike is sorry that his friend does not feel well. But the table turns when Mike discovers that Susie’s mother gave her Bayer Aspirin for children. Bayer is the same children’s aspirin that Mike’s mother gives him. Mike exclaims with a smile, “Mothers are like that; yeah, they are.”
Yes, mothers are like that. What does this phrase mean? What are mothers like?
Mothers are caring and loving. They take care of their little boys and girls when they are sick. Mothers want their little ones to be happy, well, and playful. Mike knew this and was delighted that Susie’s mother was giving her the best care.
Mothers have a sacrificial or Godly love for their offspring, whether children or adults. Consider this sacrificial love as told in the biblical story of 1 Kings 3:16-28.
Two women in the same house give birth to sons. The mothers nurse the infants, who also sleep in the bed with their mothers. One mother accidentally sleeps on her son and discovers he is dead. She does not grieve for the child or alert the other mother about the tragedy. The mother switches the smothered child for the living child that belongs to the other mother, who is unaware of the swap. The reckless mother claims the living child as her own and declares that the dead child is the other mother’s child.
The woman with the dead baby knows he is not her baby but the other woman’s.
King Solomon is asked to rule on the terrible dispute and tragedy.
“And the king said, ‘Bring me a sword.’ And they brought a sword before the king. And the king said, ‘Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.’ Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said,’ O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it.’ But the other said, ‘Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.’ Then the king answered and said, ‘Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it; she is the mother thereof.’”
The living child’s mother wanted her son to live even if it meant giving him to another woman.
A mother’s love is sacrificial.
Mothers are like that; yes, they are.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Be well.