Mother’s Day
Two lines on a pregnancy test.
An open spot in your heart for a little one who may not be biologically yours.
There are many different ways a woman becomes a mother.
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the impact mothers have on each of our lives. There are the obvious, big sacrifices that everyone recognizes — but what about the thousands of little things moms do throughout our lives that often go unnoticed?
Let’s take a moment to focus on some of those quieter acts of love.
When she plated dinner for you as a toddler, she probably chose the color plate you liked best. She served a portion she knew you could handle. She may have added an ingredient she knew you enjoyed or left one out because no mom wants mealtime to become a battle.
If your mother carried you in her womb, how many countless times did she place a hand on her belly and think about you? Wondering if she was doing everything right for a healthy pregnancy. Imagining life with a newborn in the house. Hoping, praying, preparing.
How many appointments did she schedule with her OB provider?
How many bites of food or sips of water did she take with you in mind?
How many anxious moments did she experience before she could finally feel those little kicks and wiggles?
For other mothers, perhaps the thoughts sounded different.
How many prayers did she whisper, hoping bonding would come naturally? Wondering if she was truly ready for motherhood. Did she have the right clothes for you? The toys you would love? Would she quickly learn your likes and dislikes? Would she know how to read the emotions on your face and comfort you when you needed it most?
No matter how a woman becomes a mother, motherhood is filled with thousands of thoughts, prayers, sacrifices, worries, joyful tears, frustrated tears, and exhausted tears.
It’s no wonder you may have caught a mother staring at her child with a faraway look in her eyes. She may have been mentally planning lunch, coordinating naps and bedtime, figuring out groceries, laundry, dishes, appointments, cleaning the house, or even washing between tiny dirty toes.
Motherhood is constant care.
It’s no wonder mothers feel overwhelmed and exhausted at the end of the day. The stay-at-home mother, the working mother, the mother of one, or the mother of ten — it is hard, full-time work.
And slowly, the season changes.
Little ones grow more independent. Moms no longer have to think about every tiny detail. But a mother’s heart never stops loving or worrying for her children — it simply changes how that love is expressed.
Honestly, Mother’s Day should be a week-long celebration each year.
Today, can I encourage you to take a walk and spend a moment thinking about your mom or the mother figure in your life?
Fathers — think deeply about all your mother did for you, and all the work your wife or partner is doing for your children every single day.
Mother’s Day is not just about a quick phone call or a fun gift, although I do happen to think an ultrasound is a pretty special gift… hint hint — we offer gift certificates at Peek-a-Bump.
But in all seriousness, what if we made it a goal to honor mothers throughout the entire year?
Serve selflessly. Give her a moment to step away and breathe. Notice the invisible work she carries every day.
Motherhood is so honorable. And no matter how you arrived there, please know this:
We see the small things you do.
There are not enough words to fully thank you for the prayers, sacrifices, late nights, early mornings, difficult choices, and endless love you pour into your children.
Happy Mother’s Day. 💛