If you’re a mom, then you know.
You know the motivation, the pep talks, the inspiration harnessed each morning and the exhaustion, mental roadwork, and mom guilt experienced each night.
You know the sound of a tired cry vs a hurting cry, of an explosive diaper needing half the wipes box vs a loud diaper that needs only 4 wipes, and the sound of a too-quiet toddler that needs to be checked on.
You know how many back rubs, belly rubs, and books it takes to put your little one to sleep.
You know how important heart talks are to connect with your child, and you don’t rush those moments. In fact, you learn to savor them more and more knowing these heart-to-heart moments won’t always come so easily.
You know how to check head temperatures for colds, heart temperatures for extra kisses and hugs, and situation temperatures for administering discipline or explanations of self-control.
You know how to cheer through the tears, laugh when your heart is breaking, and use positive words when only negative words seem to come to mind.
You know how to tune out the screaming (almost), turn up the kindness, and turn down the hostility.
You know the actual back-breaking, chest-heaving, leg-squeaking physical labor it takes to wrangle your child into a situation they think is dire (like a car seat 😜) and show them the importance of doing hard things (thank you, Daniel Tiger).
You know that as your kids grow older, the small baby problems will become a bit bigger toddler dilemmas, and soon morph into full-blown middle/high/college catastrophes that only you can help solve.
You know that every step forward in the motherhood journey is a gut punch toward the loss of who you were before kids (you kind of liked her) but an awakening of who you are called to be in Christ (and you are learning to LOVE her).
You know the efforts of fervent praying, constant explaining, and continued movement in an effort to develop your children in their own journeys to independence from us and dependence on God. You’re sad to let go, but know that the one’s hands you are placing them in is so much better, wiser, and loving and that makes you feel (a bit) better.
And if you’re blessed, like me, then you know a special mom or two who have shown you the ropes to hold and the ones to drop, that the floodgates of tears actually heal more than trying to bottle up the deluge, and another set of hands is always more purposeful than our own. Because the seasoned moms know it takes a village to raise children, and they are more than willing to help.
And furthermore, you may not just know this mom.
This mom might be your actual mom. In which case, she’s been with you and weathered every storm, laughed with you through situations you thought would never end, and shown you grace over and over when all you wished to do was stick your head in the sand.
And because of your mom, you now know, appreciate, and are in awe of the sacrifices she made. You can’t believe she chose this path. But now, on the other side of it, you can’t imagine doing it any other way.
Mom, thank you for being my biggest cheerleader, my most devoted fan, my never-ending, always-enduring encourager.
I am so glad I know you and that God blessed me with such an example ❤️
Some (just about) free ways to show that special mom in your life how much you love her!
- Go old-fashioned and make her a card! If she’s like me, the words of encouragement will be gift enough! Plus, she’ll love the extra effort you went to to make the actual card.
- Spend time listening to her share stories of her past (or anything she wants to share). Quality time mamas don’t care what they’re doing, they just want to spend some time with you, their loved ones.
- If she’s a foodie, grab some specialty items. Nice cheese, crackers, some dried fruit, veggies and dip, and of course, a decadent dessert. Then take her on a picnic somewhere she’s been wanting to visit!
- Maybe she’d love someone to help clean some spaces in her home. Or organize some attic space she’s been meaning to do. Or even do some handy work on different items she wants fixed. A pair of helping hands is always welcome.
- Funny story, but I called myself the “magic hands” growing up. And my brother called him self the “magic work hands” because we would give my mom neck massages after dinner. If your mom loves massages but you can’t afford to buy an expensive massage, do it yourself! Your mom will love the physical touch and enjoy having some of those hard-to-reach knots worked out.
The above “gifts” are love language gifts. Your mom will feel seen and loved when you give her the gift that speaks directly to her. Today is all about moms. So let’s reflect on how special these women are in our lives and celebrate how amazing she is…always.
On this Mother’s Day, let’s enjoy and celebrate! Cheers to you, mama!
You can read more here and here about mom struggles and overcoming them. May they be an encouragement to you!
