Mothering

Good Monday Morning!

It’s hard to believe we’re in May already! Although we don’t notice much in the way of seasonal changes in Southern California, we have been enjoying longer days with glorious mornings and delightful evenings. The weather is perfect for walking in the fresh air and admiring the lovely hews of both the foliage and the skies. I hope you were able to take time this weekend to savor these special moments.

This week many will be spending time thinking of creative ways to celebrate the mothers in their lives. It’s is a beautiful time of remembrance for the many ways our mothers have enriched us and brought comfort when we felt shattered. For those of us who had the blessing of a mom who was attentive, loving, and modeled a strength of character that molded our own, celebrating mom will be a joy and an honor.

It’s a challenging time, however, for some who don’t have pleasant memories to recall and may even have distressing triggers. Many of our mothers didn’t fill the role as we had hoped or were absent for some reason. Some had moms who, although they may have done their best, were not able to be the mothers we needed or deserved. In these situations, celebrating may be next to impossible.

There are a few things to consider as the day approaches. Perhaps there was someone else who tried to fill that role. Maybe she was a beloved grandmother or aunt or a neighbor’s mom or someone at school or church. It’s possible that she was not a she at all but a loving father or uncle, or a teacher or clergyman. This season may be a time when we’re learning to re-parent ourselves to move from trauma into the fullness of life.

Scripture has stories about people without mothers. Esther 2:7 comes to mind and reads:

“He was the guardian of Hadassah, that is Esther, his uncle’s daughter, for she had no father or mother. The young woman was beautiful of form and face; and when her father and mother died, Mordecai took her in as his own daughter.” (AMP)

The story of Esther and Mordecai is one of redemption. There is such richness in the tale of a parentless girl raised by a relative and prepared for unexpected greatness. It’s a story of what can happen when we embrace who we are despite where we began. And it’s a story of transformational love, something we all can access.

You may be celebrating your mother or someone who took her place, or you may be a mother yearning to be celebrated. Whatever the case, I wish you joy and peace this week. I hope you feel loved and appreciated. And I pray you’ll realize the love of God filling in all the empty spaces.

Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda