This week we are leading up to Mother’s Day, being celebrated this coming Sunday.
For those whose mothers are still living, what an opportunity to tell them how much they have meant to you. What an opportunity to show them your gratitude for all they have done in your life. What an opportunity to express your love for them.
For those whose mothers have passed away, what a bittersweet time it can be. Bitter because they are not here with us so we can lavish our love, affection and gratitude on them. Bitter because we may have some unresolved issues which give us a sense of sadness and regret. Sweet because we can remember with real fondness the many happy moments our mother’s blessed us with. Sweet because we are reminded of who we are because of who our mother’s were.
Here’s the thing, we have the opportunity to display who our mothers raised us up to be each and every day. We seem to wait for a specific day, ie…Mother’s Day, Birthday, Anniversary, other special day of meaning to trot out our feelings, emotions and gratefulness. Is that really how it should be?
For me, I had a special relationship with my mother. I loved her, and I knew wholeheartedly she loved me. Having said that, we didn’t always get along. We were very much alike, and my mother’s sister told me that’s what made it hard for us sometimes. Reflecting back on all that transpired between us, of course there were regretful times, but I no longer carry the baggage of those regrets.
Its human nature to have ups and downs in a cycle of relationship. I realize its no different for mother’s and sons. What I carry with me are the wonderful and beautiful memories she and I shared. She actually taught me that. She often lamented in her older years how she longed for the time when my brother and I were young. The money was short. There wasn’t plenty of material things to be had. We struggled as a family on just my father’s meager salary as a police officer. But my mother said, those were the best of times. I think she may have been right. More doesn’t equal better. Abundance doesn’t equal happiness. Being together, sharing the simplest of things is better than anything I can imagine.
For those who have their mothers still, I hope and pray you will honor them this coming Sunday. More so, I pray you will honor and cherish them every day.
For those who have lost their mothers, I hope and pray you will find and hold fast to those cherished memories. I hope and pray if you have unresolved issues, you find a way to let those go. It won’t help you to hold on to them. What will soften your heart will be to recall all the love, all the affection, all the times that were sweet. Those are the memories we should carry with us always. Those are what will guide us in our current and future relationships.
For me, my mother taught me so much. I wouldn’t be who I am without her influence. Because of her, I continue to grow in so many ways.
Thank you to every mother, every mother figure, everyone who continues to display that loving, guiding, mothering we all need so much of. God’s richest blessings are given to us through our mothers, and may God’s richest blessings be poured out on them each and every day.
Your companion on the Way,
Pastor Tom