If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Matthew 7:11
It is Mother’s Day here in America! Today we celebrate all mothers. We celebrate all the women who occupy that maternal role in our lives. We celebrate biological mothers, adoptive mothers, and spiritual mothers. In the midst of this pandemic, our mothers are the bright light, and the sweet fragrance that infuses our lives with gratitude as we remember all that they have done for us and all that they are to us. Today, many will honor their mom in a special way, with a beautiful card, flowers, chocolate, perfume, a special gesture such as breakfast in bed, or with free time, to do whatever she wishes.
But wait, there are those for whom this day will be bittersweet. It is a different kind of Mother’s Day, a Mother’s Day without mom. For some, the grief journey may have brought you to a place of acceptance and rest in God, but for others it may still be a painful day for you. Perhaps COVID-19 or some other illness, robbed you of the opportunity to be with her this year. You may feel empty and angry at God, but in the midst of it, find a way to celebrate your mom anyway. Yes, through your tears celebrate her. Remembering is a part of healing. Celebrate the essence of who she was; celebrate the memories and the laughter, and all the significant moments in-between.
There is another group of moms; the ones who suffer deeply and quietly. The ones whose arms are still empty despite years of longing and praying, and the ones who miscarried or only held their babies briefly before death came calling. Today, we honor you. May the God of peace wrap his arms around you and give you what your heart desires. God means what he says, he gives good gifts to those who ask (Matthew 7:11; John 14:13; Matthew 18:22).
So, wherever this day finds you, whether in celebration or lament, take a moment to thank your heavenly Father for His faithfulness, and for your mom. Take a moment to thank Him for meeting you where you are, celebrating, longing, or grieving.
Loving and Gracious God, thank you for those who perform the sacred role of mother. Thank you for my mother, I am deeply grateful for her today and every day. Thank you for mothers across the world who struggle daily to ensure their families are fed and their children are nurtured. We commit them to you today with the understanding that it is a tougher world in which to raise children. So, give them your wisdom, your strength, your tenderness, and your love so that they may have enough to pour upon their families. Draw close to those mothers and children who need your forgiving and comforting embrace today. Hold them in your everlasting arms and give them your perfect peace. Amen.