Remembering the Mothers…

Mothers are important. Without them, none of us would be here! They are the subject of a commandment of God, “Honor your mothers…” with the promise of a long life if we do so. I’m thinking today about my own mother, specifically. I think, finally, more than 20 years after her passing, I’m able to honor her, and for that I am grateful. There is no doubt that she was my biggest fan and that she loved her grandchildren so much.

In fact, she loved children, babies especially, so much that she served in the nursery at the last church she attended. I’m sure she spends part of her time in heaven watching the little ones, when she’s not singing in the choir.

My grandmothers were especially important in my life. In many ways they were surrogate mother figures for me along with the many teachers and friends who have “mothered” me along the way.

I know today that my youngest son, Benjamin will spend some time thinking about his “mommie.” She is with him every day in his heart, but at some point he will probably wake up and realize that this is Mother’s day and his mom is not here to share it with him. I can’t begin to understand what he is going through, but I’ve walked the path of grief myself over the last couple of years so I am here to support and guide him through it.

I have many friends and loved ones who are going through testing times right now. Some have had to move out of the homes that they have loved for several years. Others have gotten a diagnosis that signals difficult times ahead. Others suffer for their children who are going through tough times. I pray that they know the comfort of the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. I know that even in the darkest times, Jesus will meet you and walk beside you, and sometimes carry you through.

Of course, there are a lot of mothers in the lives of my children. My daughter is a mother and I have step daughters and the mothers of my grandchildren who are going to be honored in some way today. This is definitely a good thing.

Today is a good day to let our positive memories of our mothers overshadow those memories which are better forgotten. It’s a good day to forgive and simply love. That’s what I plan to do today!