Mother's do many things without recognition. They have many jobs and responsibilities - and taking a day to say "thanks" is lovely, and so appreciated by all the momma's out there.
It is fun to be a momma. It is fun to be celebrated. It is a joy to me to see the things that my children have made me - by hand. They are so proud - and I am so honored to be honored by them. It is sweet.
But, a day to celebrate mom's for those of us who have lost our mom's is a bit like spring coming without flowers. It is still beautiful outside. Life is still growing all around, but something beautiful is missing. Something is lacking and it is so noticeable.
My mom was simply amazing.
She laughed often. She gave the most wonderful hugs. She had the warmest smile, the most tender eyes... She was an encourager. She was feisty. She had a fire about her that you were drawn to naturally. She loved Jesus. She honored God with her life. She worked hard and she loved deeply.
God was so good to me to give me the momma I had. She loved me so well.
This weekend, I am going to be thankful for the years that I had with her - and the eternity I will have with her. I am going to be thankful that God's plan included forever for us to love one another. Only, in the next life... there will be no pain, no tears. Perfect love. Perfect peace. A Holy God - and an eternity to worship our sweet God together. I don't know exactly how it will look, but I know that she and I will stand side by side and praise the One who gave us life again. It will not be about how much I love her, or she loves me... but about the fact that we are all consumed with love for the One who is so worthy of our adoration.
That is a sweet thought.
That is my hope.
My life is hidden with Christ in God.
Eternity is real.
If your mom is still alive, even if you have been distant... won't you take the time this side of eternity and make things right? Won't you remember all of the sacrifices she made and choose to dwell on the good and not the bad things? Won't you realize what you are forsaking by ignoring her - or making light of her?
Honor your father and mother.
It is the first commandment with a promise.
Are you honoring her? Are you honoring her in a way that demonstrates Christ to the world? Don't forget how many people wish they could have just one more day with their mom on the earth. Don't forget that you are blessed indeed to have a momma still here. Take time to focus on the blessings of your mom. Take time to realize that God chose her for you - and He doesn't make mistakes.
Take time to love. That is what it is all about. It is a sweet thing to receive love on mother's day - but as long as you have a momma that is alive... it is your right and responsibility to love her.
It is easy to love those who love us... much harder to love those who hurt us - or disappoint us. But, the Bible doesn't ask us to only love those who are easy to love does it? The Bible calls us to love radically - no matter the hurts and the pain that come with it.
Forgive. Love. Honor. It is my plea that you would do those things well in regards to your mom. God can heal up the rest and fill all of the spots that are empty. That is what He does best. Lean into Jesus and love your mom like crazy this year!
