Mother’s Day is this Sunday! But if you’re a mom reading this, we probably don’t have to remind you. You already know because it’s on your calendar, along with the family appointments, kid’s sports schedules, and your own appointments that you keep track of in that beautiful mind of yours, all while meal-planning, bouncing the baby on one hip, and baking cookies for the school fundraiser.
So much of what mamas do is unseen, so we want to say, “We see you, Mama!” And more than just keeping all the plates spinning, we see you caring for your family, kissing boo-boos, reading bedtime stories, and weaving love into everything, making even the little things feel like sunshine and fairydust.
We also see that you are tired. If we had a Harry Potter Invisibility Cloak to share so you could sneak a cup of coffee and drink it in peace, we would overnight ship it to you. We know you don’t always get to go to the bathroom alone, and that you may not have chosen the banana mush on your shirt as your accessory of choice. But you are doing an amazing job. I mean it from the soles of my flip-flops to the top of my messy-bun. You are a great mom.
If you are an Honorary Mama, we cherish you and salute you. Maybe you don’t have kids of your own, or you are awaiting your first child, but you have kids in your life that look up to you and you hold a place of significant influence in their lives. There is nothing more beautiful than a friend who loves someone’s kids as much as they do, who invests in their lives, and prays for them with dedication. You are the village every mama so desperately needs and we are so thankful for you!
Inevitably, there comes a time in motherhood when we feel like we are losing ourselves in it. It can feel like the needs of others are so many and so loud, that we rarely find time to take care of ourselves too. I saw a post on Threads recently from a mama who said she felt swallowed up in motherhood and was struggling to find a way to connect with God throughout the day. I think every mom can relate to that.
The amazing thing about our God is that He sees us and comes to meet us right where we are. Have you ever noticed in the Bible that when men talk with God, it often involves a big journey up to a mountaintop, or out in the wilderness to go to God. But when women need the Lord, He comes to them! He came to Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb, He came to Rahab when she was helpless and alone, He came to the woman at the well, and the list goes on.
He’s with us when we fold the laundry, and during late-night feedings. He’s with us when we stay at home, or when we leave for work outside of our home. At every moment, of every day, He is with us.
In Isaiah 40:11, God is described as a good and gentle shepherd: “He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.”
God has a tender place in his heart for you, Mama. He will gently lead you, and hold you and your children close to His heart. He will carry you, and sustain you faithfully. Give yourself the same grace that God gives you. Even if you didn’t get all the things done (or anything for that matter), did you love your kids today? Did you provide for their needs? Are you still standing? Then you’ve done amazing, girl!
Different seasons will look different in how you grow in your faith and connect with God. But He remains the same so you don’t have to figure out his part. You don’t have to coordinate with him, or schedule anything. He’s waiting on you, ready to care for you and gently lead you with tender mercy and compassion whenever you are ready. All you have to do is look up and reach out, knowing His love always surrounds us and He’s never far away.
When your kids are little, you may find that “Quiet Time” is not so quiet. But maybe your little ones can look at a kid’s Bible long enough for you to read a verse or two on the Bible app and start memorizing a scripture to carry with you throughout the day. You can even memorize it together. As your kids get older, and a little more independent, you may find you’re able to get a longer, or at least more focused, time with Jesus each day. And at any age or stage, you can block out a more soul-filling time with Jesus when someone else is around who can maybe help with the kiddos for a little bit, and give you a break and much needed renewal in Christ. I bet there’s at least one mom or honorary mom that would jump at the chance to care for you and your sweet family if you asked.
For me, just having a chance to connect with the Lord before I head out into the fray makes such a difference. And the beauty is that Jesus comes with me. He walks with me through my day. I can picture him giving me a high-five as we walk out the door together, saying “We got this!”
So today, look for God in the mundane, in the little things, and the ordinary to-do lists. Talk with Him about what you are going to do today, and invite Him into all of it. He is so faithful to draw near, and he will walk with you. He will hold you close and you can lean on Him when you start to feel weary.
You are not alone! We are cheering you on wildly and we’re here for you! Reach out anytime you need prayer or a pep talk! You are doing a great job, mama! You got this!
Big Hugs & High Fives,
Summer
