I am sitting here today with my three year old grandson. He is currently occupied with some videos and I have a minute to sit down and write a few words in anticipation of Mother's Day this weekend.

The reason I am with my grandson is his mother is with my wife and her mother and an aunt doing an annual shopping trip that occurs this time each year. My mother-in-law has come out for this special weekend. We will gather for a couple of meals and time with all the grandkids. Mother's Day gives us a good excuse to get together – and that, despite all the commercialism associated with these manufactured holidays, makes it worth observing.

I count it a blessing that four generations of our family can still gather and enjoy time together. Not everyone has that good fortune but this family does. Believe me, we do not take it for granted. Time gets by us so quickly that these moments are very special. Debbie and I have made it a priority to make these gatherings happen as often as we can.

I have always appreciated my mother-in-law. Once a week without fail she and Debbie talk on the phone and catch up on the week's happenings. Through the years she has been a second mother to me and a kind and supportive presence for her grandchildren. We count it a blessing to have had her all these years into our life. Not everyone has that blessing. We do not take this for granted.

The apostle Paul wrote, "Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the face of the earth." (Ephesians 6:2-3)

So to all you mothers. I wish you a happy day. May it be one where appreciation and gratitude is shown to you by those you have loved.