Here’s to you, Mom.
Here’s to the mom who’s making the memories. Who teaches the finger plays, kisses the raspberry knees, cheers the cartwheels, pins up the artwork, supplies the lemonade stand, pitches the ball, pushes the swing, shops for the dress and falls in bed long enough to do it again the next day. It’s what a mom does.
Here’s to the mom who’s keeping the plates spinning. Lunches packed and dinners served, birthdays planned and haircuts done, doctors seen and braces checked, carpool line and and homework checked. It’s what a mom does.
Here’s to the mom who’s showing up: on the field trip, at the practice, for the parent meeting, to the recital, with the school book, before every game. It’s what a mom does.
Here’s to the mom who’s stepping up: to bring the game snacks, host the slumber party, manage the fundraiser, be the room mom, drive the carpool, buy the gift. It’s what a mom does.
Here’s to the mom who’s sharing: Her lunch, her phone, her closet, her pillow, her lap, her tears, her love, her wisdom. It’s what a mom does.
Here’s to the mom who’s missing the gym but lugging groceries, wrangling toddlers, pushing the double stroller, and running next to the new bike rider like a boss. It’s what a mom does.
Here’s to the mom whose time is no longer her own. Who stayed up tending the fever, who stopped to join the game, who waited through the whole story, who pivoted to rescue a teen, who claimed she was still up late when he called from college. It’s what a mom does.
Here’s to the mom who’s advocating for her child. Who’s perfected persistence, pursued the questions, researched the possibilities, scoured for resources, and held out hope; who’s heart has broken but also deepened and softened. It’s what a mom does.
Here’s to the mom who sees another face at the table, who’s prayed and trusted and waited, done tests and treatments and paperwork and who cries into a pillow at nights asking God, when? It’s what a mom does.
Here’s to the mom who’s missing her mother. Who wishes for one more conversation, one more picture, one more celebration dinner together, one more long hug. It’s what a mom does.
Here’s to the mom who’s begging God to draw her child home, who’s rescued and released a hundred times, who’s fought regret, confusion and pain on her knees, and who never gives up. It’s what a mom does.
Here’s to the mom who’s grieving devastating loss, who buried hopes and dreams with her beloved that day, who learned to keep breathing in the dark, who’s fought for joy, who puts feet to floor to parent anyway, and who trusts God will reshape what’s shattered. It’s what a mom does.
Here’s to the mom who’s ever said “this will be the death of me” and watched mothering stretch her, chisel her, challenge her, change her, unmask her, school her, empty her.
The mom who knows daily death is the way to life abundant.
The mom who knows midnight prayer and morning mercy.
And the mom counting on Jesus to do in her what she cannot.
It’s what a Savior does.
Behold, children are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3
*Special thanks to the readers who sent in these precious snapshots with their children.
Beautiful, friend, you are a gifted writer. Thankful for you.
Happy Mother’s Day, Jodi! ♡
This is so lovely! I’m passing on the link to my dear ones. Hoping I’m not being out of line to share this. I’m a very proud grandma and my lovelies have all had wonderful mothers. 🙂 Happy Mother’s Day!
http://bagsallpacked.blogspot.com/2015/05/mother-eartha-presents-thank-you-mom.html
Absolutely! You are always free to pass on the love and share. Happy Mother’s Day!
So beautiful and full of truth! Thank you…made me tear up😊 Happy Mother’s Day!
Thank you and to you too. 🙂
That was beautiful LIsa, arn’t we thankful we are moms, can’t imagine life without our kiddies! Good job girl!
Soooo thankful!
What a beautiful post! Happy Mother’s Day, sweet Lisa!
Thank you, Beth, and happy Mother’s Day to you as well. 💗
I read somewhere recently that even the unsaved have joy when everything is going well. What sets God’s people apart is that they maintain joy even in the midst of tragedy and sorrow.
Lisa, what a testimony to how great God is . . . that in all you have been through, your heart is so full of Him that you could pen such a beautiful, loving tribute to others.
May God continue to bless you and your family in the Name of Jesus!
It’s been amazing to see that grief and joy can co-exist. Thank you, Nann.
This is so good. Tears. Great job, Lisa! May the Lord bless you and give you grace to stay in the race until the finish line!
This was beautiful. I’d love to just copy and paste the whole thing on my blog – because I couldn’t have said any better!
Happy Mother’s Day to you.
Dear Lisa … what a glorious ode to this, the daily legacy we leave, amidst a trail of laughter and tears. Beautiful. Beautiful.
What a beautiful post, Lisa! I also read the parts of your story and my heart goes out to you and your children. But I also am filled with joy to see how God has brought you through this tragedy and filled you with hope and love. As an aside, I grew up in Jacksonville, FL! I know some people who have attended First Baptist, although I also know it’s a big church… Thank you for this beautiful tribute to moms everywhere! May God bless and continue to comfort and strengthen you every day! I’m your neighbor at #IntentionalTuesday!
Gayl, I love seeing how small the world can be. 🙂 We probably have mutual friends, though we’ve only been at the church since 2004. We love it and they have loved on us so much in the last few years. Happy to meet you!
Read this one a few days ago, today too. LOVE it, Lisa! What a neat post, thoughtful of so many. And the use of reader’s photos? So, so neat. #raralinkup
Dear Lisa,
What a beautiful write up and series of photos of moms. Thank you for this gift. God brought you to mind and I pray God will provide all you and your family needs out of the riches of His abundant love and grace.
So very lovely! Thanks for the encouragement! I love being mommy!
Thanks Forest! I do too! Best job ever and I’m forever grateful God allowed me to mother my kids. <3
You have captured it, Lisa. Thank you. And adding the variety of photos was genius.
Lisa, this is so beautiful. So glad I saved it to come back and read later (and thanks for remembering us moms who have babies in heaven.). Hugs
I missed this one while I was gone on vacation. Beautiful as always. So thankful God allowed me to be a mama. Thanks Lisa. 💕