This week I have felt a sense of urgency to put pen to page and write my thoughts on motherhood. I am a mom and I cannot think of a greater gift than being able to nurture children, watch them grow into who God is calling them to be and to bloom myself into who I have become. These treasures – these moments – are defined by the blessings of God and the blessings of my own mom. Mother’s Day shouts from every TV station, every radio program, every print ad, and every social media platform. Mother’s Day deserves recognition and hype but should allow for a gentleness and caring for all motherless daughters and sons and for all women who are mothers to the very core of their beings but have no children of their own.
As I reflect on motherhood with every memory, photograph and piece of the past, this year my heart beats unevenly with a deep sense of loss over the passing of my mom in January. This journey has given me glimpses of motherhood as snapshots into specific moments that mark who I am today and the kind of mother I have been as my own sons have become adults.
… Freeze frames of favorite toys, favorite vacations, favorite outfits
… Sound bites of uncontrollable giggles, Eskimo kisses, whispers, cries from scraped knees
… Movie moments of the first time my children walked or rode a bike, playing in the grade school band or their first basketball game
Each memory is strung together to remind, remember and rejoice in motherhood and to tuck away for a rainy day
This year – all women, whether you are a mom or not – have motherhood qualities and motherhood snapshots that should shine and shout of the gloriousness of what Mother’s Day is all about. This year – I am writing a tribute to all moms, motherless daughters and sons, and women who nurture everyday of their lives. These words are meant to heal, remind, and center us on all we have been given by our own moms.
Have You Ever…
Have you ever stopped suddenly and looked twice at the person walking beside you? Your second glance provided a picture of a beautiful person on the outside – well put together – glowing with beauty and confidence. Is that your mom?
Have you ever had a conversation with a person and intuitively knew that this person was listening even if her gaze was scanning the room checking on every other detail? That is a mom!
Has the example of a life well – lived shaped you into the person you are today? The lessons of comfort, grace and courage were shaped, modeled and lived out daily by a mom – your mom and my mom!
Have you ever met someone who knew how to love – unconditionally? In a mother’s love, we see a reminder of God’s perfect love.
Have you ever watched a person set time aside each day to center and focus through prayer? My mom modeled this daily by reading her devotionals, praying the rosary and being still and quiet in the presence of the Lord. Putting Jesus at the center of your day and your family is a gift to all. Is this your mom?
Have you ever experienced grace and dignity in someone you know? Grace is elegance, a generosity of spirit and a gift from God to all. Dignity is self-respect and worthiness. Moms share grace each day as an extension of the grace God freely gives and as a reminder that we are loved and held in high esteem.
Happy Mother’s Day to all!
These words were written today…
In loving memory of my mom – September 2, 1925 to January 11, 2014 – “You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race and kept the faith. You have received the crown of righteousness from Jesus because you lived your life longing for Him each day. Well done, good and faithful servant – well done!”
Side note: I was honored and blessed by God with many of the words above to give as a eulogy for my mom. God has walked alongside me and stitched the broken pieces of my heart back together with every tear shed, with every aching moment and when my brokenness seems overwhelming.
Blessings,
Mary
Linking with these wonderful blogs!
What beautiful words that have honored your mama. We almost lost my mama last weekend. I am so thankful she is with us still today.
Thank you, Barbie! I have been praying for your mom and will continue to do so. Blessed you stopped by!
I’m next to you at Barbie’s this weekend. I’m so sorry for the recent loss of your mother. My mama’s been gone three years and I still miss her every day.
Thank you for your kind words! Having just celebrated Mother’s Day, the loss of our mothers is magnified but God is teaching me that the beauty of life can also be celebrated after the person is gone! Blessed you stopped by!
Mary this was just beautiful and I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom! But what a blessing she lived a life devoted to the Lord and she was able to hear “You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race and kept the faith. You have received the crown of righteousness from Jesus because you lived your life longing for Him each day. Well done, good and faithful servant – well done!” Hugs, friend!
Thank you, Sybil! My mom was a blessing and her life and the way she lived it has made me into who I am today! Blessed you stopped by!
What lovely words you have honored your mother with. I’m certain she was and would be so proud of you, Mary! I have some of those same movies that play in my head about my children too and loved re-living them as I read your post. Thanks for linking up to Testimony Tuesday!
Holly your words filled my heart right where it is still healing. So glad you stopped by with your encouragement!
What a beautiful portrait of motherhood in general and your mother in particular. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful tribute.
So glad you stopped by. I treasure all I learned from my mom and how this has made me who I am today.
Mary may your cup run over today with the joy and peace that Gods love so faithfully fills it with, as you walk through this first Mother’s Day on this side of saying goodbye (for now) to your dear mother. And allow your heart to abide in the truth that you gave her the same incredible joy over all those many years of her loving care for you that your precious sons give to you.
Love you dear friend,
Valerie
Your words -straight to my heart equals peace and comfort on Mother’s Day! Love you friend!