Mother’s Day cards. Mine are folded up in a special place, and I keep them like treasures.
My sons are too young to have constructed any on their own just yet, but I have evidence of a group effort and the beginnings of a one-of-a-kind collection. A gallery of scribbles and fingerprints and crinkled edges from drool that dripped down those chubby chapped chins.
Each sentiment is a bit of a time capsule to chronicle their effort and abilities that year, and I adore them all.
Now, as I walk by aisle after pretty pink aisle of Mother’s Day cards, I think of all the messages to mothers who have invested more heart and tears than any printed paper could hold. I sigh as I think to myself:
And we don’t mother just to get a gift and a card.
I think of the joy and gratitude and remember the pain and the loss. I think of the strength and selflessness of the woman who mothers, be it children in her own home or in her community or waiting on her child to reach her from miles away.
And I have a message for you — you are doing a good thing. You are a part of a good thing.
I met a woman with two young boys at the park this morning. She pushed her sons next to mine in the swings, attempting to teach manners while sending them up to soar.
As she loaded them into their car later, we waved, and I shouted a simple, “Happy early Mother’s Day,” and she said the same in return to me, with a sisterly grin.
I thought about all that meant afterwards. Is it just about a date on the calendar? No, not really. It’s more about the reason we have to celebrate at all – this awe-struck gift of life. Be it from our own body or that of another, we were given the privilege and responsibility to help raise up God’s Kingdom come.
With clay on our fingers, we can see the Potter’s hands at work. It is His accomplishment, and a thrill of our lives.
“Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” Isaiah 64:8
And so, thinking back, I meant to tell my new friend — you are doing a good thing.
She said it was hard. Yes, but she knows it is worth it.
You are doing a good thing.
She said she was concerned about what they will face in the future. Yet, she trusts that God will guide them.
You are doing a good thing.
She said she cared to teach them Scripture and to not hurt God’s feelings by misusing His name.
You are doing a good thing.
I could sense her sadness in saying their father was gone. She said they would still be okay.
You are doing a good thing.
And so in this season of reflection and gratitude and in honoring those who live and love as mothers do, we can focus our hearts and attention on all the good being done. Even if…
Even if the story isn’t unfolding as planned.
Even if there are tears with the test each month.
Even if the flowers are white in remembrance and not red.
Even if prodigal, he may return.
Even if you can’t undo a choice that has passed.
The Potter is at work. He is capable of immeasurably more. I am a mother; I can testify to it.
Mothers, this holiday, let us be the ones to give thanks in a shared and supportive way. Let us be the ones to encourage and lift each other up. Let us find our strength and dignity. Every single day.
You are doing a good thing. You may not find or receive a card that says it, but your good is far better than anything these little ones could dream of, because you are you. You are theirs. Our good matters when we want them to have what’s best.
And we always want them to have what’s best.
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
Love,
Mommy
Friends, have you discovered any unique ways to encourage mothers or children who may need special support not only this coming weekend but on a regular basis? How do you show your appreciation? Have you found a mentor or considered becoming a mentor to someone who would appreciate this type of relationship? If so, how have you benefited from such a partnership? Read 1 Corinthians 13, and replace the word “love” with your own name. We were made to love; let us love in the ways He tells us, and those we love will get His best.
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