Happy Mother’s Day

It’s Mothers Day! Yet I feel more like the child than the mother. As my oldest daughter showered me this morning, I thought how roles have reversed as all three of my girls have cared for me on this journey. I have had the thought more than once that not only are the roles reversed at certain stages, but I have lived (thanks be to God) to see the day when not only have my girls risen up to call me blessed (Proverbs 31:28) but I have lived to call them blessed, as no mother could be more proud of her offspring than I am.

I remember when they were young and I thought only of the sacrifice and cost of motherhood: the sleepless nights, the endless hours before dad came home, the never ending diapers and runny noses, the crooked pigtails, the piles of laundry, the toys to pick up, the nighttime rituals, the tears in the bath, the homework, reports to be written, science projects, parent/teacher conferences, reading the same book over n over. Now as Anna tucks me in bed after administering my meds, reading to me and praying with me, I thank God that He gave me the power to persevere through those early days of life for three girls. Anna was born in Chicago after 50 plus hours of labor, while battling preeclampsia. Paul says, “death is at work in us but life is at work in you;” (2 Cor 4:12) Was she worth it? Oh my…she was worth every drop of blood, sweat and tears, as were Sarah and Elisabeth, and not just because they take care of me today, but because of who they are, now laying down their lives that others might live, and the beat goes on, and gives praise to the Author of Life and the One who died that we might live. Thank you, Jesus, for laying down your life for me that I might live eternally. Thank you, my girls, for choosing to lay yours down for Him, for me, for my grandchildren, who will rise up and call you blessed! Thank you!

I would like to pay tribute to all those today whose hearts yearn for children not yet born or adopted or whose children have not risen up to call them blessed, because of choices they have made. Never stop believing your Heavenly Father sees and knows the cry of your heart. And to all those children who never had a chance to grow up to bless their mamas or those who are missing their mothers this Mother’s Day. Know that mamas in Heaven can be blessed too and proud to be called your mom, just as you bring great joy to your Heavenly Father.

Happy Mother’s Day!