Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice: mourn with those who mourn.”
This is what we do on Mother’s Day.
Because, my friends, it IS actually possible to feel two emotions at the same time. This is a concept that has taken me years to grasp and was particularly difficult when I was in a season of mourning on Mother’s Day while everyone else seemed to be rejoicing.
But, I have learned that there is room for both emotions to co-exist even in the exact same moment.
It’s an amazing thing when you realize that celebrating another’s joy doesn’t take away from your loss.
And it’s an equally amazing thing when you realize that mourning another’s loss doesn’t take away anything from your celebration.
We can’t do it through our own strength though. It’s only by the power of Christ in us that we are able to accomplish this.
So, to those of you who will wake up on Mother’s Day and will be rejaled with love and attention, we rejoice with you! This day is one of celebration for you and no one would ever begrudge you that.
And to those of you who face this day with a heavy heart because you are dealing with
loss
unfulfilled dreams
a traumatic past
a traumatic present
…we mourn with you. We pray for you.
And for all of you, no matter what your circumstances, don’t ever forget that today is just a day.
This day, this one little man-made ‘holiday’ doesn’t define us. It doesn’t prove our worth.
We are defined by the amazing, perfect love of our Heavenly Father and our priceless worth to Him.
Praying you feel moments of joy this Mother’s Day whether you are rejoicing or mourning,
Lovely insight for those of us who have lost our precious mothers. Now I focus more on the lovely mothers around me–my sister, my sister-in-law, sweet friends, and my two daughters. Only Jesus allows us to experience joy in the midst of loss.
Thank you. I lost my mother when I was two years old and was raised by a dad who was old enough to be my grandpa. Segue to 20 years ago and I was so happy to have my own family with three beautiful children. Then our middle child, at the age of 11, was diagnosed with childhood cancer (leukemia) and time, once again, seemed to stand still while I tried to cherish every moment. Just yesterday I found something that was enlightening. You see, it’s been three Mother’s Days since our son died at age 17 and I was packaging up some of the last of his “stuff.” You know, the random cards, photos and special things that he had kept for some reason in a dresser drawer. Among all that chaos was a Mother’s Day card, hand-made by Michael. It had no date but was neatly written in his tight, tiny cursive. Dear Mom — You are the best mother I know. I hope you have a fun Mother’s Day and a great life! Love you, Michael.
I thought of my sister when I read this, she lost her only child when he was 32 but we still have our 82 year old mother. Rejoicing and mourning, perfect verse.
Very beautifully stated and thank you for recognizing that it can much be a bitter sweet ay for many. I absolutely love your blog, because while you have impeccable inspiration for the home you also have depth for the soul!
Blessings,
Leslie
Oh Leslie!!! So sweet of you to come by and thank you so much for your lovely comment. 🙂 I seem to remember that we emailed back and forth at one point about family stuff and I just popped over to your blog and it seems like your life is filled to the brim with joy. Your children are darling and I’m just so thrilled to see how God has provided for you!
What a beautiful post, Vanessa! We sometimes get caught up in our celebrating and forget those who are in mourning this day. I appreciate your thoughts on our worth to our dear Heavenly Father…God Bless You!
Beautiful post Vanessa as always…I hope you had a most wonderful Mother’s Day!
Thank you so much for this beautiful post. Our son died in a tragic car accident almost nine years ago and not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. We have two beautiful daughters and four beautiful granddaughters. I woke up today and thought it’s just another day without Dustyn. That is so unfair to my girls but to me it’s just another day. God Bless You!
Oh Danna I cannot even imagine the unspeakable heartache you experience. I type these words with tears in my eyes and want you to know that the minute I read your comment I prayed for you! <3