It's mind blowing to think about how very fast time is slipping by. It seems like just yesterday that I was battling these same feelings as we headed into Mother's Day, 2010. One would think, with each year that passes, it would get easier. And, in a way it does. I can look back and see the slight growth that happened as I've pursued after HIM. But, pain is pain. And, when that pain runs deeper than surface wounds, it just takes time. A whole lot of time. And, you know what? It's okay. It took me a long time to realize that.
I hope you have an amazing Mother's Day and if there is pain that gets in the way, please don't beat yourself up. There's nothing wrong with you. Just ask God to help you navigate through this. He will. You're not alone, my friend.
Here's my blog post from last year. As I reread it, I found it to be encouraging. I hope you, too, are encouraged today. Happy Mother's Day!
If I were completely honest with you, I would tell you that this past week has been extremely difficult. It shouldn't really surprise me. After all, it's each year at this time I deal with emotions I can barely keep below the surface. For as long as I can remember, it's been the most difficult time of year for me. And, it all pertains to what is happening on Sunday.
Now, for so many, Sunday will be a wonderful day full of family and joy with amazing moments of reminiscing through great memories. Sure, there will be stress, but for the most part, it will be a day some are really looking forward to. And, if that's you, I hope it's everything you hope it will be.
But, for others, this will be one of the most difficult weekends of the year. There are countless different reasons as to why this day will be so difficult for so many. For me, it's because of the abuse I experienced as a child. And, like clockwork, it hits me each year starting a few weeks before the big day. I can't understand why I can't just get past it. I am so richly blessed. God has brought such incredible healing to my life. He's also brought so many "moms" who have stepped in and graciously filled that role in my life. Not to mention my incredible wife who is a fantastic mother to our four children. So, why can't I just man up and get over it?
I was having this very discussion with my wife, Tara, last night. And, right in the midst of our conversation, she said something so very profound. She said "If you didn't have this hurt from the way your mom treated you, then it would mean my job is pointless. That pain you continually battle, because of the abuse you experienced as a child, serves as a reminder of how important my job really is."
Wow. I guess I knew that. But, to hear those words framed in that way reminded me of how extremely important our job as parents really is. And, I do believe it is the most important job on the planet. So, even though this Mother's Day will carry with it some pain, I still appreciate the incredible job that God-honoring Moms everywhere are doing. I celebrate that. Thank you, moms.
If Mother's Day is also a very hard day for you, please don't beat yourself up about it. And, if I can be praying for you, please don't hesitate to let me know - joeb@newlifemedia.org
Remember, God loves you so very much!
Joe Buchanan serves New Life Media as Network Music Director.www.newlifemedia.org(WBGL,WIBI & WCIC)
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