What will you do for your mom this Mother’s Day?
I remember an especially dark season of my life over 20 years ago when Mother’s day came and went several times without calling or even sending so much as a card to my mom.
I wanted nothing to do with my past or the people I perceived responsible for much of the darkness associated with it. I severed ties with my mom, cutting off all communication with her.
Breaking ties doesn’t necessarily fix problems. After exhausting attempts trying to fix myself, I always came up short. I came to a point of desperation and turned to Jesus.
Bit by bit my life began to change as I learned to turn each area of my life over to Christ. My perspective became God and others focused. I went from accusing and resenting to caring and forgiving.
Anger and disappoint gave way to hope. Though it didn’t happen overnight, and often it was humbling and difficult, my relationships began to change.
Over the course of several years, my relationship with mom was restored and took on a new identity that was good and healthy. Not only did we get beyond the pain of the past, but now I enjoy the present together with my mom. Mom lives with us; not because she has too, but because we’ve welcomed her into our family.
You may not want to have your mom live in the same house with you, but check your heart and ask; is there a welcome place for your mother in your life?
People never regret saying things that are kind and full of grace, but we all regret if there comes a day and it’s too late. Your mom won’t always be there.
Time is priceless and words can be powerful; use them wisely. Live without regrets.
“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.”
Ephesians 6:2-3 (NIV)