Last weekend was Mother’s Day.
I don’t really remember the Mother’s Days we celebrated over the course of my childhood. I’m guessing, but, that’s probably because I was a pastor’s kid – and Sundays were always so busy, so… there wasn’t time to make a big deal over the Hallmark Holiday.
With that history, why is Mother’s Day so hard for me? Some years my little family celebrates more than others. True confession: I always end up ruining it. I get my panties in a twist, and it gets ugly if things don’t turn out how I’ve dreamed.
Why do I need so much approval and recognition? Why do I wrap up all my worth as a mother, in that one day?
Why? Because I’m a sinner, that’s why. I’m complicated and ridiculous. And, well, being a mom is hard. No one told me how hard it was back before I became a mother. Or maybe I wasn’t listening. Regardless, I had no idea just how needy and selfish I was, until I was a parent. It was then that my heart was totally exposed. And that, is HARD.
But, God is at work. Yes, I struggle, but by His grace, He is making me into the woman, wife and mother that he wants me to be. More and more I am able to find my worth in Him, as His daughter. I’m letting go of my need for others’ approval. He is helping to love my children, more deeply and genuinely than I ever imagined possible, with a love that He has put in my heart. Thankfully, He’s given me children who love me and forgive me. Believe me, they have to offer forgiveness to me A LOT!
I’m reminded of a little song I’ve been singing with my children this spring, from Ephesians 2:10″For we are God’s masterpiece, He has created us new in Christ. So we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
What a beautiful reminder: I am His masterpiece. He is continuing the good work in me, so that I can do all of the good things He planned for me, before the beginning of time. I’m so grateful to see His promise come alive in my own heart.
These are my lovely children, from this year’s Mother’s Day. I love them so. Even on the hard days, they make being a mom wonderful!
daily portion 