Mother's Day: Tears and Celebration

I hesitated to write this post because in the past few years three dear friends lost their mothers (all to cancer).  I can only try to imagine what that must have been (and what it still is) like.  Like most women who have healthy (and maybe even not-so-healthy) relationships with their mothers, there are times during our days and weeks when something happens and we think to ourselves, "I'll have to tell mom."  For those of you who share those happenings by sending prayers to heaven, I cannot wait for the day you will be reunited with your mothers.  Oh, how the angels will sing!

I know what it's like to long to be a mother.  There were at least two Mother's Days where it was all I could do to keep it together in church (or anytime of year, for that matter)- watching children bring their moms crafts they made for them in Sunday School.  I remember wondering if I would ever become a mom.  For those of you who can relate, please hang on.  I don't know what is in store for you, but just the fact that you long for children means that you already possess those mothering instincts.  And I would venture to guess that there are people in your life who are blessed by your mothering. So, I hope you have a special, blessed Mother's Day- for the loving and nurturing person you are to others now and for the mother you may become one day in the future.

My mother has shaped who I am in so many more ways than I can see.  I am not a carbon copy, but when I really stop and think about my characteristics, values and ways of doing certain things, I see and hear my mother.   It wasn't until I had girls that I realized how important it is that I lead a life worthy of being an example of a mother to my daughters.  I hope and pray that Sadie and Miriam (and Sam, too) will hold the warm and loving memories of me that I hold of my mother- no matter how many years on earth I have with them.

Mom, you are amazing.  While no one is perfect, I am always impressed by the way you always rise above the few imperfections you do have and focus instead on what's important (including a relationship with God).  You inspire me and everyone else in the family to try to do the same.  Thank you for teaching me about God, mothering, being a wife, a friend, and a sister.  I praise God for your life and I love you dearly.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom.

And, Happy Mother's Day to all of you, too.