“Motherhood is a choice you make everyday, to put someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you’re not sure what the right thing is ... and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong.” —Donna Ball

"Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.'" - Proverbs 31:28–29

Motherhood is a mixed bag! It’s a beautiful calling - full of tender moments, hugs, so much love, and memories that you want to hold onto forever. It is also one of the most difficult things you may ever do - worrying about doing the right thing, hoping that you don’t pass on your own insecurities and fears, exhaustion, and endless moments of just wanting a bit of peace and quiet. Often those moments are all mixed up in one day! There are seasons of waiting, of hope, of stress, of joy, and always of love. Whether you are a mother yourself, longing to be one, or celebrating all of the mother figures in your life, today we are going to take a moment to honor the gift of motherhood and all the many things it represents. We will also talk about how to celebrate and recognize the women in your life who are a blessing to you!

The Unseen Moments

“Motherhood has relaxed me in many ways. You learn to deal with crises. I’ve become a juggler, I suppose. It’s all a big circus, and nobody who knows me believes I can manage, but sometimes I do.” —Jane Seymour

I am a mom to two delightful girls. And I can tell you that it has completely changed me. It has made me more myself in so many ways. I am so grateful and awe-struck by them constantly. They have brought me so many opportunities to act out love. To choose to be awake at night, holding them when they have had a nightmare. To go out of my way to create joy for them. To pray and hope for their futures. To learn how God has created them to be. It is one of the greatest joys of my life. Regardless of the fact that it is often filled with moments of quiet selflessness, unseen moments and the day-to-day of tiny joys. 

Motherhood is so often found in these unseen moments - quiet sacrifices, selfless giving, the whispered prayers, the daily moment of inconvenience, the tiny moments of utter joy. It’s the way a mother listens when the world is too loud, how she comforts when hearts are broken, and how she cheers when victories are won. All of this can be the role of many women, regardless if anyone calls them mom, so many women act as mothers to those around them. 

Encouragement

To all of the mothers out there - you are doing an incredible job. Even on the days when you feel unseen, God sees you. If you wonder whether or not you are enough, remember that God’s grace is there. Even when the days and nights stretch long, take comfort knowing that those seeds of love you are planting daily will continue to grow. You are raising future world-changers, cherished humans, people who will live full lives. Your work matters, even when it feels mundane. 

Proverbs 31:25: "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."

“Becoming a mother has made me next-level confident. I’ve never felt more empowered.” —Kelly Clarkson

Celebrating the Moms

Sunday is Mother’s Day, but you could celebrate the moms in your life all year long! Here are a few ways to celebrate the mothers around you:

• Words of Affirmation

A simple note, text, or handwritten letter to express your appreciation could be a great way to share encouragement. 

• Thoughtful Gifts

Lots of the products in our store make great gifts for any mom! You could also make something, and use your craft skills to bless the moms in your life. 

• Offer to Help

Babysitting, doing some chores, or bringing a meal… can all do wonders for an exhausted mom! 

• Create Memories

Just spend time with the moms in your life! Go get coffee, take her to the spa, go on a walk, or take her to do something fun like a tea party or adventure. Time is definitely one of the greatest gifts you can give! 

As we celebrate motherhood, let us do so with gratitude, love, and intentionality. Whether you are a mother or honoring one today, may your heart be encouraged and reminded of God’s great love.

Proverbs 31:31: "Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

"The human heart was not designed to beat outside the human body and yet, each child represented just that — a parent’s heart bared, beating forever outside its chest.” ―Debra Ginsberg

QUESTIONS AND REFLECTIONS 

One of my favorite things to do is to ponder, reflect and journal, it gives me time to think through all the various aspects of life. May you find time in your day or your week, to sit and reflect. You can use these questions as a starting place for your reflection, or just an addition to your normal journal rhythm.

1. Share some thoughts on your own experience with motherhood. 

2. Who are the mothers and women in your life that you could celebrate? 

3. What have you learned through motherhood (your own experiences as a mom, as a child, or in watching other mothers you know)?

4. Where have you seen God at work in your life lately?

5. What’s one thing from this blog that you want to use or put into action? 

“Motherhood: All love begins and ends there.” —Robert Browning

Luke 2:51: "And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart."