The Sting of Mother’s Day

May 10, 2017

Wooooeeeee! Life has sure been crazy lately! And by crazy I mean absolutely overwhelming. It’s been so busy with concerts, ball games, home maintenance problems, piano lessons, doctor appointments, and more. I’ve been too busy to write this week, and I’ve missed you. Thanks for your patience with me. I think I’m finally coming up for air.

There’s been a lot on my mind this week. Mother’s Day, the fast pace of life and how it can feel like we’re drowning in all of it, the every day life stuff that can be overwhelming emotionally, financially and sometimes physically – just all of it. When I’m feeling this way, it always leads me to think about you, too. I know I’m not alone. I know you struggle with everyday life stuff too. So I want to remind you that although it can feel lonely, there’s an army of us who understand.

Let’s talk about Mother’s Day. It’s the elephant in the room this week after all, and you know how I can’t resist addressing that darn elephant. Maybe you no longer have your mom on this earth. Maybe you’ve lost a child. Or maybe you are struggling with strained relationships that make Mother’s Day sting instead of warm you with joy. No matter what your loss this Mother’s Day, I want you to know I’m thinking about you.

I’m thinking about the mom whose baby isn’t here to hold. I’m thinking about the moms who didn’t get the chance to raise their child or whose son or daughter left them too soon. I’m thinking about the men, women and children whose hearts ache for the kind of love they need from the mom they can’t hug or call anymore. I’m thinking about the women yearning for the chance to be a mom but haven’t yet been able. And I’m thinking about the moms who long to reconnect with their troubled child or estranged mother. Or maybe you’re like me, missing the man who used to be here to share the pride and joy (and struggles) of parenting with you. Maybe you’re without the man who used to be here to celebrate you on Mother’s Day. I’m thinking about all of you with painful, gaping holes in your heart this Mother’s Day. I want you to know I see you and your pain is on my heart. If I could stand in front of each one of you, I’d wrap you in a great big hug. I’d hold your hand until Sunday was over.

I honestly don’t have any great advice for helping you get through this day that I know hurts so badly. All I can do is remind you that you’re not alone. Whatever overwhelming burdens you’re carrying into Mother’s Day, you don’t have to shoulder them alone.

Psalm 55:22-23 (The Message)

Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders—
    he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out.
He’ll never let good people
    topple into ruin.

 Our God has wide shoulders, a strong back, and an infinite amount of love and grace. And He cares for you. He cares for me. And He cares so much about our hurt.

Hang in there. Monday is NOT Mother’s Day. Until then, you’ve got this. And I’ve got you all in thought and prayer. Extra grace to you, my friends.

Jodi

Would you like new articles delivered straight to your inbox? SUBSCRIBE here.

You Might Also Like

  • Jeanie Martin May 10, 2017 at 2:07 pm

    Thank you for acknowledging the day that isn’t perfect. So many of us will stand, sit, kneel in pain sometime during the weekend I’m sure. You touched on that poignant thought….Monday it will be over. I remember the first year being a single mom and now the first year without a mom or mother-in-law. #bittersweetmoments #diginforsomememories #cryalone

  • Lisa Teichmann May 10, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    Never much liked mother’s day after my mother died. my first mother’s day without my mother was my first mother’s day as a mother…haven’t enjoyed it since. and now this year, mother’s day is also my birthday. my first birthday without my husband. just sucks.

  • Karen Underdahl May 15, 2017 at 12:47 pm

    Jodi,
    It was good to read your post, I hope you had some JOY this Mother’s Day weekend? We have truly been so busy too, not sure how to get all things done, it sure is crazy, calving, fixing fence, fixing equipment, running for parts, yeh something fun the “Snow White” ballet and it was excellent, sick brother, roofer to check insurance claim on hail damage to church, parsonage and garage as Lynn is council president, Bible study tonight, school icecream concert tomorrow night, Mother’s Day supper in Bismarck with T and T, cantacts with a plumber, painter and carpenter, oh so many to do’s! Paid some bills this morning they seem to get set on the back burner. Working on family history when I can. Yes, you definitely are not alone on this crazy world merry-go-round! I think of you so often and hope all is well. May God keep his loving arms around you and help you with whatever life throws your way. Know I think of you often and send our love! Have an awesome week! Love, Karen