The Bitter-sweetness of Mother’s Day

This weekend  brings a day of recognition for worthy people – mothers.  I am blessed to be a mom,

and I have the blessing of having a terrific mother, but the Lord’s brought to my mind that Mother’s Day, though special, is a day that also brings a sundry of emotions.

If you had a wonderful, godly mom who created a childhood for you that is a sweet memory, there is the sentimentality of remembrances.  I love to reminisce about the fun we had in our home, the special things that were done on ordinary days, the traditions on the special days, and the love of my parents for each other and each of us girls.  I know that my mom was a gift from the hand of God and I am full of thanks.

For some that had difficult homes, Mother’s Day is a hard memory.  It’s then that this person must look at the perfect Parent – God Himself.  Our expectation comes from Him, and we are never disappointed.  What a loving, faithful Father He is!

For a mother who has lost a child at any stage in their life – miscarriage, newborn, infant death, in childhood or later in their life, Mother’s Day is bittersweet.  If we know the Lord, and know that our child is with Him, we can be comforted that we will see them again.  I Thessalonians 4:16, 18  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

I’ve shared a couple of times about our daughter, Ashley that was stillborn in 1987.  There will always be a tender place there as I remember her, but the Lord has been so gracious in that loss, and through the years of celebrating Mother’s Day.  But still I’ve shed many tears missing her.  It’s not a sorrow that has no hope!  I know I will see her in heaven some day.  Many times I’ve asked the Lord to tell Ashley I love her…I don’t know if the Lord does that, but she’s with Him, so I ask!

For women who are struggling with their singleness or with infertility, Mother’s Day is another harsh reminder that they are not yet a mother.  Questions of, “How could God keep this gift from me?” flood their hearts and must be answered with the Truth about our God.  He is not absent from my life, He is always at work in my life, and always wants what is best for me.  The absence of a child is still painful, but the reminder of God’s presence will be a comfort that none other can give.  He wants to fill the void, and is able to do that in ways we cannot understand or explain.

I have friends who have lost their mother recently, and surely this Mother’s Day will be different than any they’ve experienced before.  I have no idea what this must be like…but can only imagine the sorrow.  I know that God’s grace will be sufficient, however, for their need.  II Corinthians 12:9

See what a roller coaster of emotions Mother’s Day creates?  It can be a sweet day, but for many, it’s a very hard day.  I write this to say, let’s be on the lookout for those that need encouragement at this time – a hug, a card – perhaps with no words other words than simply, “I care and am praying for you.”  Sometimes just having someone remember our situation is a blessing in itself.

Who could you encourage this weekend?  If I can pray for you, I’d love to.  Leave me a comment or send me an email. refreshherblog@gmail.com