Where one person finds a table filled with smiles, cards, and flowers, another may find a table with an empty seat.
Where one person encounters a warm embrace and an abundance of fond memories, another may encounter dysfunction and pain.
Where one person discovers a new joy and fulfillment, another may discover loss and disillusionment.
Mother’s Day is a holiday made for Hallmark. Movies with happy endings, lots of greeting cards, and flower, gifts, and gatherings. But the reality is for many, this day is nothing like that.
I am thankful we set aside a day every year to thank moms for all they do for us. I hope this is something we do every day, but it is good to make a special effort every year to celebrate so many good things about mothers.
But we can never forget that for many this day is anything but happy. Mothers lost to death. Women unable to conceive. Dysfunctional mothers. Abortions and miscarriages. Abusive mothers. Women who have lost a child of any age. Unresolved issues that haunt families. Hurt upon which this day can feel like salt poured on a wound.
So today, let’s absolutely celebrate moms and the many ways they have been a blessing. But let’s also be tender and compassionate towards those who find pain, regret, and sorrow in this day. Like a bouquet of flowers, the beautiful blooms on top may be disguising some painful thorns just out of sight.
Breaking Into Peace 