Today is Mother’s Day…a day that has
gotten increasingly complicated in our world in recent years. The day that was
meant to celebrate mothers has done so, but it’s also positioned a spotlight on
those who resist such brightness glaring in their faces. The reminders of what
was lost or hasn’t happened at all is a difficult reality for many, and that matters
too. So for those of us who write or speak on a day like this one…it’s hard. No
matter what you say or don’t say, you’re probably going to unintentionally
exclude or offend someone. That’s not at all what I want for any of you.
The
truth is my mom is here with me – and we are closer geographically than
we’ve been in years. I do celebrate that! Happy Mother’s Day, Mom! I am excited
for you that you are in this new chapter of life, getting to enjoy new-to-you
things, and resting in ways you’ve not been able to for a long time.
The
truth is Ryan’s mom is not here with us – and we do miss her. It’s been five
years since she passed away, and we miss her. We are so thankful for all the
good memories we have of the time we had with her – and we are profoundly
thankful for all the pictures that keep her smiling face in front of us every
day.
The
truth is we have also been shaped by others besides our mothers: sisters,
aunts, grandmothers, friends…women who have been pivotal pieces of our lives
and hearts. They have prayed for us, taught us, listened to us, given solid
advice, and stepped in to encourage us. Some are here with us, some are gone,
but all have left impressions we cannot forget, nor do we want to.
The
truth is I’m not a mom, and for some years of my life, that has been a hard reality.
The Lord has given me the ability to live peacefully with the story He has
written for me – and He has given me so many bonus kids over the years – nieces,
nephews, bonus nieces and nephews, friends’ kids, a godson. All these kiddos have
allowed me to feel a measure of motherhood in some way or another, and that has
been a gift.
The
truth is I’m a cat and dog mom, and they matter to me deeply. I know many
people don’t understand why some pet parents truly feel like parents and why
the pets truly feel like children, but ours do to us. I love my sweet babies
with my whole heart.
So
here we are on this complicated day. We celebrate, we remember, we trust the
God of our stories. We are grateful for every single woman who has poured into
our lives and helped make us who we are!
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