TODAY

Valentine's Day can be a difficult day for those who are single.  The media would convince us everyone is part of a couple---everyone but me, that is.  The advertisements begin two weeks before the day arrives and the world becomes a frenzy of romantic activity in the middle of the deep dark of winter.  I usually stay at home with a good movie (NOT A HALLMARK MOVIE) and pretend I don't know the date has arrived until it has come and gone (remember its only 24 hours).  The truth of the matter is there are plenty of single people out there and none of us are affected by Valentine's Day.

Mother's Day is a holiday like no other---we are all affected by Mother's Day.  Unless you are a walking miracle, you have a mother.  There is no getting around the huge impact mothers and motherhood have on our lives.  This is one time you cannot stick your head in the sand and pretend it has nothing to do with you.

Today I am thinking of the multitudes who are missing their mother--or never knew their biological mother--or had a contentious relationship with their mother.  I am remembering the pain and sorrow you are feeling and thinking of you.

Today I am thinking of those who are having to live with the loss of their child--an unimaginable pain.  How devastating to know things somehow happened in this wrong order.  Our children should never leave us--we should always go first, and yet somehow this happens.

Today I am thinking of those with empty arms, dashed hopes, and unfulfilled dreams.  Those who look around at all the moms being honored and wonder, "Why not me?" 

Today I am praying Mother's Day will be filled with love, comfort, and peace for all those who dread this day.  I am praying for God to remind you of His infinite grace, deep love, and boundless mercy.  Today may you know the hope of tomorrow and the strength to face yet another Mother's Day.  The day will pass, night will come, and the sun will indeed come up on Monday morning.

21 

Yet this I call to mind

    and therefore I have hope:

22 

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,

    for his compassions never fail.

23 

They are new every morning;

    great is your faithfulness

Lamentations 3:21-23