Mother’s Day – It’s Complicated

Mother’s Day can conjure up a variety of thoughts and emotions for so many. There are those sons and daughters who have their mothers still with them, while there are also those who mourn their mother’s loss daily. There are those who have estranged relationships with their mother and those who never knew their biological mother. There are those who feel the sting of mothering a child lost in their womb, or only precious days after birth, or by circumstances to come much later. There are those who have no natural children of their own. Lastly, there are the “bonus” moms who love children from previous relationships. It is not easy, but you strive to love with all of your heart.

These scenarios, and many others, can make Mother’s Day complicated. The good news is they are not uncommon in scripture, for the Bible speaks about every single one of them! For those who have the ability to love and cherish their moms now, please find the way to honor her. Honor does not mean you agree on everything nor condone actions that may have caused you great harm or abuse. But, we do encourage you to show her honor for giving you life that you can share with others. We are grateful for your life and so we honor her for giving you to us. For those who mourn the loss of their mothers, daughters and sons this Mother’s Day (and everyday) we grieve with you and yet celebrate their beauty with you. Their lives and your tears were not in vain. They were and are beautiful gifts and you are left with us to reflect that beauty (Praise God!). For those who have no natural children, we are grateful for your love and unselfishness. God has given you the grace to come alongside parents doing what they can and add much needed love, and support. I’ve also been a recipient of that kind of added love and support and can’t imagine my life without it! And for the “bonus” mom, you welcome the opportunity and risk of loving in sometimes hostile environments. You are essential and what you do is irreplaceable. I am both a “bonus” mom and daughter so I’m cheering for you. And really, regardless of our title, God can give all of us the ability to sacrificially love others around us.

So wherever we find ourselves on this Mother’s Day, we pray with gratitude for God’s comfort and peace to fill each of our hearts. That He alone would grant us the vision to see how He has sustained us, and love us beyond the love our earthly mothers. We are imperfect and so is our love, but He can give us the capacity to love others whether we gave birth to them or not, and call them our children, nieces, nephews or friends. Thank God that He first loved us. Because of this, we can shower His love on others. God bless You all!