Happy Mother’s Day?

Mother’s Day can be a tough one for many different reasons.

…

Some of us have mums, but not the mums we wanted.

Some have mums we don’t talk to – or who don’t talk to us.

Some of us have lost the mums we have:

They’re here – but not the way they were.  Or perhaps – they’re not even here.

…

Some of us want children but don’t have them.

Some of us have children, but had to let them go.

Some of us have children but feel we’re not enough.

 

Some of us fall into categories that don’t fit the cards.    Two mums.  Or mums we don’t know.

Best Mom in the World.

Maybe she’s yours.  Maybe she’s not. Maybe you’re not the kind of family that sends that kind of card.

So.

Mother’s day. What do we do with it?

We can say it’s nothing really – but that’s not the truth.

We can act like it’s not happening – but hiding doesn’t make it go away.

Mums matter – and we know it, deep. So if we’ve got mums to celebrate, then let’s do it.  And if we’ve got kids to celebrate, then let them celebrate us.

Because here’s the truth: all of us have mothers.  And all of us have kids.

Even if your womb’s closed up.  Even if you never knew your mum.  Even if your kids are gone or lost.  Even if you never wanted a family of your own.

You’re already in one.

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I [God] comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” (Isa. 66:13)

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I [God] will not forget you!” (Isa. 49:15)

Motherhood is a blessing.  But Scripture doesn’t paint it in the same shades as Hallmark.  Ruth was left childless and widowed at a young age. Rachel, Hannah, and Sarah were infertile. Eve’s son was murdered. Mary’s son was crucified.

The Bible reminds us too, that there are different kinds of mothers:

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

(John 19:25-7)

In your church and in your friendships, you are a mother – to many children. And in your church and in your friendships, you have many mothers too.

Whatever our experience and whatever our status: in Christ, we’re part of a family that’s thicker than blood. And that’s something we can all celebrate.

 

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