Unto every father hath been enjoined the instruction of his son and daughter in the art of reading and writing and in all that hath been laid down in the Holy Tablet.

~ Baha’u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, paragraph 45 (p. 37)

I have learned a great many things from my father during my lifetime.  Perhaps, the most profound of them is simply the love of reading.  Reading for entertainment, discovery, knowledge, broadening my own horizons.  He set that example for me and that gave me the skill and know-how to discern my own way in life – to read new texts and to make sense of them as I investigated what was true and what was real in this world.  Thank you, dad.

He was a missionary earlier in life – traveling the world doing good deeds, serving humanity and teaching people about Jesus Christ.  But by the time I was born he was the pastor of the large suburban where we lived.  My grandmother used to take me to church with her on Sundays so we could hear Grandpa preach.  By the time I had declared myself as a member of the Baha’i Faith, he did not have the energy to have serious discussions with me.  I would like to think that he was proud of the journey that I had made as I continue to wander down the path of life.  His was one of the few opinions that I always took to heart.

Good is filial devotion to one’s mother in the world

~ Dhammapada – Sayings of the Buddha 1 (tr. J. Richards)

Today is a day to honor mothers.  We all have one.  She carried you in her womb and during that time was the sole provider of sustenance in your life.  Your entire world was inside of her while you were developing and being prepared for this world.  It was she who made you who you are while she was so entirely devoted to you.  No matter what your relationship with her today, spend time with her today… whether it be a visit or phone call, let her know that you are still devoted to her.