Mother's Day Thoughts

 

 Mother's Day! Do you look forward to it or dread it? I've found the day to be:  Joyful. Disappointing. Sad. Inspiring. Challenging. Honoring. Lonely. Uncertain. Depressing. Satisfying... depending on the year, the circumstances, what the Mom relationship was like on that certain day in May, my mood...so to all those mothers who wonder what this mother's day will hold, I share the following tribute to mothers I found embed in a blog somewhere, and find it so encompassing and encouraging. I have identified with more than one of these categories of mothers, as life changes and seasons pass.

Don't miss the thanks I express at the end of this post to those who are connected to me through motherhood. 

To those who gave birth this year to their first child—we celebrate with you

To those who lost a child this year – we mourn with you

To those who are in the trenches with little ones every day and wear the badge of food stains – we appreciate you

To those who experienced loss this year through miscarriage, failed adoptions, or running away—we mourn with you

To those who walk the hard path of infertility, fraught with pokes, prods, tears, and disappointment – we walk with you. Forgive us when we say foolish things. We don’t mean to make this harder than it is.

To those who are foster moms, mentor moms, and spiritual moms – we need you

To those who have warm and close relationships with your children – we celebrate with you

To those who have disappointment, heart ache, and distance with your children – we sit with you

To those who lost their mothers this year – we grieve with you

To those who experienced abuse at the hands of your own mother – we acknowledge your experience

To those who lived through driving tests, medical tests, and the overall testing of motherhood – we are better for having you in our midst

To those who will have emptier nests in the upcoming year – we grieve and rejoice with you

And to those who are pregnant with new life, both expected and surprising –we anticipate with you

This Mother’s Day, we walk with you. Mothering is not for the faint of heart and we have real warriors in our midst. We remember you.


THANK YOU!

To my Mom -
Thank you for living your authentic, God- fearing life with courage and passion, teaching me that a mother's love continues, no matter what children do or don't do. You taught me to trust in the God you knew personally, and were desperately dependent on. When I see you again, on the other side, I have more to thank you for as my appreciation for you grows, and I have better ways to say it, as I wasn't always good at that when you were here. Thank you for praying for me! I love you.

To Mom Doris-
You were the mother-in-law who lived close by, mentored me with your wisdom, deposited Godliness and love of life into my kids, and even though you've moved out of town and the stroke impairs our phone conversations, I feel your love and prayers and will always be grateful for our years together. You were a passionate learner and teacher; I have been privileged to be your student. Thank you for praying for me! I love you.

To Mom Elaine-
You are the mother-in-law, you shows me acceptance, hospitality, family togetherness and a passion to share the Good News with those you love. Your love to me is unconditional. Thank you for welcoming me into your family. Thank you for praying for me! My love for you is growing.

To Mom Lena-
As step mom, you have given me care, friendliness and the assurance that my Dad is well cared for and flourishing in your love. Residing 300+ miles apart, we don't see each other very often, but when we're together, your warm hospitality and some common interests and hobbies have strengthened our connection. You fit into our family ways with quiet grace and support. Thank you for praying for me! My love for you is growing.

Thank you, Josh, Jodi and Austin for loving me, and showing me forgiveness, friendship, and fun times when we're together. You've embraced the God of your fathers and have become so much more than I could have planned or imagined for you. Your lives are precious gifts to me and nothing else on earth compares to being your mom and having you in my life. I am proud to be your mom.  I love you so much!  Thank you for multiplying the love through your sweet, sweet children and your wonderful mates.

Thank you, Dan and Amanda, for expanding my blessing of children to love and share life with.  You have always been gracious and respectful and I appreciate the times we share together.  Your friendship, along with your mates, is special. I am rich with the grandchildren you've added to our family. I love you.

Father, thank you for creating family. Thank you for the wonderful plan that allows woman to birth new life. You teach us how to love and what it means to belong. Thank you for the blessings I've received through mothers and through being a mother. You have done all things well.