“Rejoice with those who rejoice: mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15)
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 regaled 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,
And then there’s the whole “who do you celebrate with” dilemma. My Mom is still with me thankfully but she’s in another city. I’m a mom but I’m also an only child which means a command performance is expected on this day but I also want to see my daughter who lives in another state. Daughter is a mom and her babies are celebrating her which would be great fun to watch. Then my husband and son in law both have moms in yet more distant places. The whole situation is just crazy. Who thought this up anyway? LOL
So, so good Vanessa! Happy Mother’s Day! ❤️
I’m actually linking this my newsletter this weekend. I love the awareness, the permission to be where we are at and the empathy to embrace each other’s journey as well. Bless you!!
Oh thank you sweet friend for wanting to link to it in your newsletter! I’m so glad that it was an encouragement. xoxo
Thank you, your words helped me a lot. As a mother I mourn the loss of my older son and of course my mother and mother -in-law.
I do love seeing my daughter and daughter-in-la celebrating with their now grown children. I also feel for my friends who for one reason or the other did not become mothers. Take care
Elaine I don’t even have the right words to express how sorry I am for the losses of your loved ones. Please know that you are especially being prayed for!!
Thank you for the post. I LOVE that you always point us to Jesus! It’s truly a blessing.
Love this post!….Hope you two had a wonderful Mother’s Day.
Beautifully said.
Though, we both have our mothers with us, kids were never part of God’s plan for our lives. Thanks for the reminder to be mindful of other situations. Sometimes, it can be hard and awkward (when it is ASSUMED you have kids).
Lovely. Well said.