Reflecting on Mothers Day
Why is it hard to hear a compliment? Have our minds been conditioned to reject them? Have our areas of influence, our containers, promoted an unhealthy response that rejects pride but also projects unworthiness?
Yesterday on Mother’s Day, my kids gave me some beautiful cards with very heartfelt messages. Maybe they are at the age where they really think and take the time to express these things? Maybe I’m at the age to truly believe and appreciate them?
Whatever the case… the words meant way more than any gift.
I reread the cards today really marinating on their words. To sit and absorb their intentions made me a little uneasy. Is it true? Do they believe that? I want it to be true. Why do I doubt?
Have you ever loved someone to the best of your ability, and it still wasn’t enough? What do we do then? That abruption is sure to have impact on our ability to believe what others want to say.
Do we blame ourselves with a feeling of failure or do we give ourselves grace?
Do we strive to understand that somethings are out of our control?
Can we give ourselves some compassion by trusting the boundaries of our own hearts?
Can we open our eyes to not seeing a dead end but consider we are just facing at a road closure?
If we place the fractured relationship in a compartment, can we allow our hearts open to receive how others feel about us? Can we believe those words of affirmation?
Can we trust that God can make ALL things new?
All things new? Some of my friends have lost a child. What does that feel like on Mother’s Day? New is a near impossible destination, under that depth of despair. I pray each one of them reach a point where the ability to believe God can make all things new, can overpower the intense suffering and grief that does not want to be left behind.
And what about all the women who want to become mothers but for some reason, they have not experienced it? I want to add the word “yet” at the end of that question but in this world of struggles for some women “yet” may not come. I don’t know what that feels like. I want to be compassionate with their emotions. If that was my calling, I’d probably find a way to blame myself. I hope they don’t! I hope they can reject the lie of shame. God has a great plan for them.
They should also know, that without the love and support of my friends who weren’t called to be mothers, I’m not sure I would be where I am today. They helped me carry my burdens. Never underestimate the power behind the support system. Women who are not mothers are worthy, their role is unique.
Some are called to be direct mothers; others are indirect mothers. Some are called to be grandmothers others indirect grandmothers. This is my first year I get to bask in the blessing of being a grandmother. They told me it would be special. They were unable to find the words that accurately define the joy in loving a grandchild.
Our Creator is unlimited in his power to provide family that doesn’t carry the traditional labels. He can bring the incredible love of being a mother or grandmother is expandable spaces. We must reject the lies and seek the truth.
Next Mother’s Day, I hope I will be able to accept compliments better, and bust through a few more false beliefs that get in my way of what God is calling me to do. By staying closer to God, I more clearly grasp the message that Love does conquer all.
May the truth move deeper in our knowing so that we can gain strength in expanding our impact.
May we continue to leave behind the desire for perfection and lean into grace.
Please join in this mission! I think it will make life more beautiful, more fulfilling!
Count our blessings! Expand our definition of family. Recognize the roles our friends and neighbors play. Increase our love flow wherever we are and with whatever we have been called to be!
God created us for relationships. Let’s do this!
Stay Blessed Ya’all!