It is hard to escape the pictures of the well dressed children hugging or kissing their well manicured mom in commercials, or photos around various stores come May. Small talk follows the direction of asking about Mother's Day plans after the weather update. Unless you find yourself in a hole, society makes it impossible to avoid the reminder of the day that is set aside to honor the one who selflessly gives and loves. This time of the year is suppose to be a time that mothers and children get together and honor the love that is year round. But to too many people this time of the year brings on heartache and tears. Although I am very blessed to have my mother, who I am extremly close to, and a fabulous mother-in-law, it is this day that my heart seems to hang heavy for others.
Today I think of the many reasons Mother's Day might be a little less than "hallmark" for so many. In all of our well wishes, thanks, and love for someone special in our lives, I think we should pray for so many others.
For the mother who has lost a child. That this day is a reminder of how they will never hear their child's voice again. To the fact that today they are confronted, again, with how unfair life is due to sickness, random acts of violence, and circumstances that were out of that mother's control.
For the mother who won't see their child today. Maybe distance is the culprit, as children get up and leave the home. Maybe this mother can't take care of their child and gave them up so they might live a better life. Harsh words, and unforgivness may have placed a wedge of distance between the child/mother bond. Maybe mom is oversea serving our country. Possibly she might work in one of the professions that doesn't get to rest be it in the medical, or safety field. For the mother who had to make the heart breaking decision to let her child go, due to an addiction.
For the mother who is going unrecognized today. Not because she is not a hard working, selfishless giving mother, but because of circumstances. She might be a single mom, who no one reminded her children of what today is. She is the one who made and served her and her family breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as if it were any other day, because in her life it is. For the mother who has a spouse serving overseas, or in the medical or safety field, as they don't get to take today off. Although they would have been recognized, because of life's uncertain events, this mom is left to do it all today.
To those who want to be mothers, but are not. The heartache that today brings can not be explained. The pain that no one can understand is right under the surface, and the love that you want to bring to a child shows through your silent tears. Hold strong today.
For those who won't be with their mother. Be it a distance situation, or unsaid words that keep them apart. Today is not a day of joy and fond memories, but possibly a harsh reality of a terrible way to grow up. A reminder, to some, that their childhood was something less than joyful.
And then for those in the world who have lost their own mother. For those who try to avoid social media as the pictures and status updates with love towards other mothers brings on a deep unsettling anger, that their own is not there. Pray for those who today is so hard. A constant reminder that once again life is unfair due to circumstances they can not control.
I understand the thought around having a Mother's Day. But it does not escape me that most of our lives are very much less than "halmark". As many of us gather with family today, remember to be ever so thankful for what you have. And say a prayer for the ones who today is a little harder than a regular day.
I am thinking of you, the "UN-halmark" families, today. May the Lord grant you peace to get through today.
And may the Lord bless all of those un-sung heroes, to who today is dedicated.
Happy Mother's Day
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