Mother, Mommy, Mom. One word describing a woman that is essentially a superhero. 

• A mom sacrifices so much from the first time she hears the sound of the heartbeat.
• A mom can heal a scrape with a kiss, and can clean up after even the messiest of children without even blinking.
• A mom learns how to trust God in the big things and little things too.
• A mom is often the first up each day and the last to bed. She is tired and yet understands that the day may be long but the years are short.
• A mom knows that she may not be “doing it right” but doing her best is perfect.
• A mom loves all her kids the same but for different reasons. This is probably why when flustered she goes through all the names, including pet names, to get to the right one.
• A mom should be equal parts sweet, spicy, fun, and funny. She has to learn how to laugh at all the jokes…good and bad.
• A mom calls out the gifts and talents in her kids. She has prayed over each one and somehow knows what God has gifted each one to do, maybe even before they know.
• A mom studies the Word so she has the strength to walk through each day. She studies to make sure she has the wisdom and discernment to make household decisions each day. She studies to make sure she has the tenacity to balance working and managing a home. She studies to learn more about herself and what God is calling her to do as a wife, a mom, and most importantly a daughter of the King.

Proverbs 31:10-31

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

On this Mother’s Day weekend make sure your mom, or any mother in your life knows she is doing a good job, that she is loved and valued. The last few years have been tough. They have been long and for some have been filled with loss and grief. There may be some moms you know that are trying their best to hold it all together. They are taking care of their kids and cannot find the space to grieve and care for themselves. Some moms may be trying to launch adult children and caring for aging parents and also cannot find the space to grieve and care for themselves. Maybe, some moms that cannot grieve or care for themselves are the aging parents. Regardless of the situation, take time to reach out, to show love, to offer help in some way that would bless them, or just make time for a conversation. All moms, no matter their age or stage in life just want to feel needed, appreciated, loved and honored. 

So, to all my momma friends walking through grief, go easy on yourself. You are doing a great job even if you just keep getting out of bed. The days are long, but our God is with you and will sustain you as you walk through your grief. I pray that you feel blessed, loved and honored this weekend and that you have some space to get quiet, grieve your loss, and give it over to our Heavenly Father. Happy Mother’s Day!