Mother’s Day Dilemma

Picking the perfect Mother’s Day card was always a challenge for me It was my Mother’s Day dilemma.  I bypassed cards that said, “You’ve been the best influence ever” or “You’re my best friend.”  While these are all beautiful sentiments, they didn’t reflect the relationship I had with my mom.

My mom and I were not close like many mothers and daughters are.  I loved my mom and know, without a doubt, that she loved me.  But some of life’s dark twists and turns either derailed us and our relationship or stopped us from having a meaningful relationship at all. Over the years we learned to appreciate one other for who we were. While we may have desired Norman Rockwell-like family moments, we learned to settle for awkward silence; accept what we had as a gift.

Ironically, our relationship grew when we learned not to expect from each other what the other couldn’t give.  We discovered–then called out–our own expectations.

Expectations

Expectations ~ the human side of shoulds or oughts ~ cause so many relational problems. Expectations can even ruin relationships.  But Christ’s divine guidance offers standards that set everything right.

Simply put, offer honor.  Follow God’s expectations, not one another’s.

Apostle Paul says in Ephesians, “Honor your father and mother” ~ which is the first commandment with a promise ~ “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (6:2-3 NIV)

The love I have for my mom is difficult to explain. But it’s unshakeable.  It isn’t about cards, flowers, or ooey-gooey sentiments. It’s about my choice to love. God tells me to, and that’s enough of a reason.

On Mother's Day I ponder the love I had for my mother. It is difficult to explain, but without a doubt, it was unshakeable. Share on X

Give it a Try

I am no longer faced with fretting over picking the right card. Mom went home to Glory in 2021. I now find comfort in my memories.

If your mother is still with you and your relationship is less than what you want, Mother’s Day may be difficult. Rest in the knowledge that when we follow God’s word, Life is good. Mother’s Day is good. Dig deep into your memories. Pull up one–just one–happier time. Do what you can to combat a Mother’s Day dilemma.

And do your best to find that perfect Mother’s Day card.

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