Celebrating All Ladies This Mother’s Day

This is an updated version of last year's post. I don't like reposting. I really wanted to write a brand new post for this Mother's Day, but as I prayed about it, the Lord kept bringing me right back to this one, and who am I to argue with the Lord! 

There are numerous aspects in which to view Mother's Day and many different seasons that accompany being a mother.

You may be right smack dab in the midst of raising little ones!

You might be preparing as your "baby" graduates, leaves the nest and soars on their own.

Maybe you've been an empty-nester for quite some time, but now you get to reap the rewards of being a Grammy!

Perhaps this Mother's Day your heart is heavy because you're missing your Mom due to death, possible abandonment or a very messy, mixed-up relationship.

This one is difficult to even write about, let alone knowing it's reality for many mothers. Finding yourself mourning this Mother's Day as you remember a child or children you have lost due to miscarriage, an illness, a car accident or any number of reasons.

There's one more Mother's Day "category" which I left for last. 

I believe with all my heart this is the hardest aspect of Mother's Day.

The woman who must face yet another reminder that she was unable to bear her own children.

Children she desperately longed after.

Prayed for.

Dreamed about.

"But the Lord had shut up her womb."
I Samuel 1:5

She sits amidst her church congregation on Mother's Day as all the mothers are called to stand to be honored, but she sits alone, quiet, feeling out-of-place, awkward, lonely, sad.

Watching the Hallmark card commercials reminding sons and daughters to send Mom a really sweet, sentimental Mother's Day card. 

Surfing the Web when suddenly she sees advertisements pop up from all the different florists advertising their most gorgeous arrangements made just for Mother's Day.

Just because a woman has no biological children, in no way exempts her from being looked upon as a mother to the children in her life. Whether those children are young in age or older adults who are young at heart!

As I type this, I'm thinking of a rather amazing woman whom I've known for MANY years. She may not have any children of her own, but, boy oh boy, does she have a slew full of "spiritual" children!

She has taught a children's Sunday School class since way back when, and I KNOW that many of those young ones, who are now grown and left the nest, still think of her as a "type of mother".

She poured her life into those children, who are now adults, and they have not forgotten her and her motherly ways, and of course the spiritual foundation she helped to lay in their lives.

I knew several women, who are now home with the Lord, who spent their entire adult life as missionaries in Africa. These were single ladies, so needless to say they never gave birth to children, but they definitely had their quivers full of spiritual children. I dare say they gave birth to many more spiritual children than any one woman could possibly bare physically.

What about women without children who take the time to invest into the lives of other people's children by being school teachers, day care workers, church nursery workers, pediatric nurses, nannies, Sunday School teachers.

Women who never had children but are more than willing to step in and help care for their friend's and neighbor's children by doing such things as: 

• Picking the child up from school when they suddenly come down with a sore throat and runny nose and Mom and Dad are tied up at work.
• Taking the child or children to Sunday School and church so they can learn about Jesus.
• Making a run to the grocery store when the ice cream is running low at the child's birthday party!
• Stepping in as a "mother" and helping with the younger children when Mom is sick. 
• Opening up their home as the local Hampton Inn so Mom and Dad can get away for a much-needed second honeymoon, while they have a blast staying up late with the kids, watching movies, eating junk food, having pillow fights!   
• Helping to tie up all the loose ends and wipe away all the tears the night before that grown child says, "I do"!

Motherhood

is about nurturing.

Many women

who have

never been

mothers physically,

ABOUND

with the ability

and passion

to nurture others.

YES, honor those who are mothers because they have biological children or those who have chosen to adopt children.

Cherish your Mother, and be sure she knows just how much you appreciate everything she has, and continues to do for you.

The days are short.

Be sure to love your Mother while there is still time.

If your Mother has already passed away, take some time to recall memories of her. Share these memories with your family and friends so that she will live on in your heart.

BUT, let's also show honor to those very special women who never had children of their own, but still nurture others by making visits to nursing homes and hospitals.

By providing a safe and joyous environment for preschoolers.

By being a loving sounding board and spiritual counselor for hurting and confused teenagers.

And IN SO MANY OTHER WAYS!

If you know of a woman who has not been blessed with children of her own, but is nurturing other people's children, your own children or perhaps even yourself, why not send her a card this Mother's Day expressing your deep appreciation for all she does to be just like a Mom to you, your children or other people's children.

It may be the first time she ever receives a card on Mother's Day!

Give her a call or text her.

Sit with her in church.

Include her in your Mother's Day lunch or dinner plans!

Or go all out and send her flowers!

You won't

regret it

and

she won't

forget it!

"Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad."
Proverbs 12:25

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2

"Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."
Psalm 73:25-26

"Father, thank You for our own individual mothers which you have blessed us with. May we not only honor them on Mother's Day, but on each and every day. Lord, may we be tender-hearted and quick to look for many opportunities to be a help and blessing to those ladies around us who may be in need of comfort during this time. Father, please use us for Your honor and for Your glory as vessels of Your grace, compassion and love.
In Jesus' Name, Amen"   

 

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May God Bless You,

Barb