Happy Mother's Day!

Oh to know the words to say, On an occasion like Mother’s Day. For our broken world this day can be a mixed bag, For some it is a joy, for others a lonely drag. There are those mothers who were consistently there, When circumstances were dire and we needed to share. Some among us can call their mom’s and be truthful, When they tell her how there are forever thankful, For the legacy that started with her! While some don’t even know their mother’s name, Or maybe wish she had not been such a shame. For others, they look around at other women’s posterity, They see the gifts and all the notoriety. But when they turn their eyes to their own nest, Alas it is empty, or filled with acquaintances at best. They had hoped for children and a family, But instead they had received some kind of relational calamity. And finally there are those who hear their mother’s voice, Feel her soft kiss and her warm embrace. But unfortunately things are not as they seem, Eyes flutter open--realization crashes in--it was only a dream. For her hands, her feet, and her voice will never again be heard or felt on this earth, For better or for worse she is gone, the one who gave you birth. So what are the perfect words to say, On a day such as Mother’s Day? I can’t say that I have it all worked out, But I will give it my best shot. Celebrate the precious value, Of those women who invested in you! There were women who brought us good instead of harm, There were women who elicited love and not alarm. The teachers, the mentors, perhaps the ladies at church, They’ve all been instrumental in your never ending search, For meaning, life, and fulfillment! She was there to lend a hand, She was there to help you take a stand! And if she is your mother never miss the opportunity to hug her neck! For all things in this life are fleeting, And in the grand scheme, all things pass like a vapor or speck. And if you don’t have a mother figure in your immediate vicinity, Know that God who for you has a perfect affinity, Will make sure you are intentionally nurtured, For by his sacrificial love you are unexplainably furthered! So keep your eyes open wide, For he may reveal when it is time to turn aside. A childless mother may be led to you! And if by some cruel working of fate, You do not have the family that you imagined to date, Turn your eyes to the motherless around you, Or perhaps you can be an aid to those who are overwhelmed too. There is always a need for some mothering out there, In this brokenness, that love will be without compare. And finally, for those who only feel loss today, There is no easy way out of the storms and the gray. The sunshine is extremely difficult to see, And the lack of clear sky means even a rainbow is not to be. But perhaps a storm outside is an opportunity to look in, To be thankful that there is loss to feel when there could have been none. Praise God for the good and perfect gift that she was, Who works in everything and uses evil for good from above! So what is the perfect thing to say, On a day like Mother’s Day? Let’s thank God that he invented mothers, For without them, this world would be a rather dull place. No hugs, no kisses, no cuddles… There would have been no one to balance the men around us. Patience would be lacking and love would be in short supply. Even the losses and pain and hurt that come to mind for many in this place, Cannot overcome the overwhelming sacrificial love that numberless mothers bring to their space. So whatever the difficulty or seemingly insurmountable mess, Know that God does not seek you harm but instead to bless. And when your life is broken and seems less than stable, We have a fixer-upper God who is more than able! Philippians 4:19 - And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Happy Mother’s Day!