From one mama to another: a Mother’s Day note
May 2022
It’s Mother’s Day. That second Sunday in May that rolls around every year, bringing with it the fresh sights and smells of Spring. For many of us mamas, we both like and dislike this day. Let me explain…
On one hand, I think we’d all agree that the idea behind having a special day for mothers is wonderful. I love picking out a special gift for my mom, and now in recent years, my dear mother-in-law too. It’s enjoyable for me to text my fellow mama friends, and maybe send them a little something. The day has some merit, but I think that maybe I have blown it out of proportion.
I personally get hung up on this thought. “What about me?” I think it’s only natural.
As a mama who is in the young years, it can feel like the literal trenches at times, or at least an intense boot-camp. One which I love! It is the biggest calling and honor of my life! I love my kids more than I could ever express.
But that doesn’t mean it isn’t WORK!
As I’m writing this, I just experienced one of my longest nights of mothering to date. I slept on the floor next to 3 sick children, who were taking turns vomiting every few minutes. I gave up on trying to catch some sleep and surrendered to the fact I would be emptying puke bowls and changing sheets until the morning. Motherhood can be challenging! It has been the most delightful thing for me, but also the thing that has brought me the most sanctification. It has gotten easier over time, but it can still be so isolating and exhausting.
So what does that have to do with Mother’s Day? Well, plain and simple, this holiday just doesn’t live up to all its hype and expectation. It somehow doesn’t quite make up for the sleepless nights or the constant work. And I don’t believe it was meant to.
Women everywhere picture hand written cards, breakfast in bed, or fresh spring flowers. They wish for that sweet surprise, but instead, a lot of times, they may end up feeling overlooked. It turns into a day hoping for everyone in your life to personally thank you for being an excellent mother.
(Newsflash- not gonna happen.)
I want to encourage you to ask yourself a couple questions:
Why does this day bring some dread to my heart? Why am I let down each year?
I can’t speak for you, but I know I have come to have some clarity with this issue for myself. Was it even possible for me to feel all the love and appreciation I need in one simple day? Probably not. Is there anything my family could do to meet that deep need in my heart? Simply put, no.
Please, don’t misunderstand me- my husband is one of the most thoughtful people I know. He spoils me on a regular basis. But not even he can truly reach the depth of this. This need.
Jesus alone can satisfy my mama heart. He can meet me wherever I am, and speak encouragement and love to my soul. The kind you need when you haven’t slept for 24 hours. The thing you desire when you’re changing the 10th poopy diaper of the day. He alone can.
I want to really dig into the Word of God now, because I believe that when we align our minds with this, it brings freedom and transformation.
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.”- Ps. 127:3
What a gift to be a mother. To be able to steward a human life.
“The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”- Ps. 28:7
We can access that joy with thanksgiving.
“Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”- Prov. 31:10-12
Friends, we were created to enrich the lives of our family. God has equipped us to do it!
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.”- Numbers 6:24-26
I encourage you to speak this verse over yourself and your family.
“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”- 1 Peter 2:9
We have the ability to show our children the goodness of God.
“You didn’t choose me. I chose you, I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.”- John 15:15-17
You were hand picked by God to be your child’s mother. He knew you were just the right woman to raise that baby. It’s holy and sacred. You have a special purpose!
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”- 1 Thess. 5:16
I encourage you to spend some time praying and thanking Him for all He has blessed you with.
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”- Gal. 6:9
I recently was cleaning my kids’ bathroom, and as I was wiping the mirror, which was covered in toothpaste, my son came in with marker all over his hands and arms. I took a deep breath and began helping him scrub his hands with soap. I sighed. It felt never ending. The messes, the constant noise of children, the crying and bickering, the discipline, the laundry.
But this time, I felt the Lord whisper to me. “Briana, this is holy, what you are doing. It’s everything you’ve dreamed about for your life. It’s worth it, and it’s eternal. Nothing you are doing is a waste of time.” And it changed that moment for me. To truly be able to step back and see my life and be GRATEFUL. That’s true redemption right there, friends. God had validated my feelings, and encouraged my heart.
You see mama, He knows you better than anyone else. He can read your mind. Go to Him this Mother’s Day. Bring him the discouragement, frustration, tears, or helplessness.
“He can encourage you in a way that no one else can. Be still and let Him speak to you.”
Friends, how can we practically enjoy this special day?
Write down your favorite things about being a mom. List qualities you love about each of your children. Even the tiniest things. One my current joys is just watching my 17 month old son (who recently started walking) toddle around our house. The way his little chubby legs move just gets me! How simple, yet it delights my heart.
Give thanks for those simple joys in your children! I guarantee you’ll smile. True joy will come. It does when you live thankful and grateful. God blesses that, every time. And if your family does something special to honor you, it’s simply a bonus. It’ll be truly enjoyable instead of tainted by expectations.
Remember that you are:
Beautiful, talented, fearfully and wonderfully made, set apart and unique.
Remind yourself of the truth this Mother’s Day weekend.
I think that you’ll find joy returning to your heart.
Happy Mother’s Day! You are LOVED.
P.S. I wanted to share my current favorite devotional, written to moms. It’s called “Pressing Pause: 100 Quiet Moments For Moms to Meet with Jesus” by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk. It’s filled with small, bite sized nuggets of wisdom, hope and encouragement. I will link it below for those interested. :)
