Sunday, May 12, 2013

{To All The Mothers}

It's Mother's Day.

A day to celebrate the women in our lives that nurture, support, give life, sacrifice and love so deeply.

As I sat this morning thinking about all the women in my life who I appreciate on this day, more than just Mamas came to mind.

Mother's Day is not just a day to celebrate the women in our lives who have raised us or given birth to us. It is more. It is about all of the women who give of themselves, who fill that "mother" role in our lives in so many different ways.

I think of the women who have not yet had the chance to raise babies of their own. Who long so deeply to give and nurture a child that calls them "mama." I think of how their love and desire is so deep that it overflows to all areas of their lives, of how they pour that love on those around them. How they listen, support and give of themselves in anticipation of that day when they will hold a baby of their own.

I think of how we need to give thanks for them, tell them how much we appreciate their mother's hearts. Tell them how loved and beautiful they are.

I think of all the women who daily "mother" children that are not their own. Of teachers, child care providers, nannies. Women whose hearts have countless rooms in them for every child they so selflessly give to.

Thank you. Thank you for loving children that maybe do not feel that love from their own homes, for loving children simply because they matter, simply because your heart can not help but expand just a little more. You are so deeply appreciated.

I think of women who lead Bible studies or support groups, who give of their time and energy to lift up and support women in their lives. Women who truly listen. Women who respond to every text, phone call and email, offering support and encouragement. All of this, with a true Mother's heart.

Thank you. Thank you for loving and supporting and giving the best of you. Thank you for being a Mother in so many ways to so many women. You are loved and cherished.

And I think of Mamas like myself, in the midst of raising little ones. Of Moms who wonder if what they are doing really matters. Of Mamas who feel alone sometimes, who feel exhausted, who give every ounce of their waking moments to their babies. You are not alone and what you do does not go unnoticed. You matter so very much. You are making an impact on eternity. You are amazing and so so loved.

I think of Mothers who children have long since grown, who are now grandmothers or even great grandmothers. I think of how the legacy of love they have given has grown exponentially, of how their Mother's hearts have left a lasting imprint on history. I think of the many many influential people of our time and the great Mothers who stand firmly behind them. Thank you. Thank you for giving of your whole life to love your children, of loving them through every stage of life, of never forgetting the sweet babies they once were and forever loving them like they still are your baby.

I think of single Moms, of Adoptive Moms, of Foster Moms, Step Moms. Of Moms who don't fit that "traditional" Mom definition. Of Moms who put their children before themselves always, who give and give and never cease to love their children. Who never give up, who keep going even on the hardest days. Moms who never give up hope, who truly understand the gift that their babies are and treat them as such. You are incredible, you inspire us. You are loved and appreciated more than you know.

I think of Birth Mothers. Mother's who give of themselves, sacrifice to give their child what they themselves cannot. Of women who give life, joy and love unimaginable to another. Of women who love their babies so deeply and give a piece of their hearts. You are strong, you are loved. You are so appreciated.

Mothers around the world, women who may not be called "Mom," but women who are true mothers, women who need to be acknowledged and loved on this day.

Happy Mother's Day.

You are loved. You are beautiful. Thank You!