mother's day gift
Motherhood isn’t always the lovely and rewarding experience described by flowery greeting cards. I know personally the challenges and even deep sadness that a mother goes through. I suffered through one child’s learning disabilities and another’s life threatening autoimmune disease. In addition, my first child’s full-term stillbirth meant that in 1980 I celebrated Mother’s Day with absolutely nothing to show for it—only my husband acknowledging that I was indeed a mother. The fact that we came out happily on the other end of each of these situations doesn’t mean that they haven’t left their marks.
Many have given us a version of the sentiment that you are only as happy as your unhappiest child, which means most parents know that every moment you are on the precipice of heartbreak. And this is why you must celebrate each and every achievement. So, it is with humility and awe that I bring you my daughter’s accomplishments over the last year.
In the early days of the pandemic, Meredith came to me and said that she planned to write and self-publish a devotional book. My internal reaction was, “Oh, honey. Being a writer is so hard. Don’t do it.” Of course, I didn’t say that. I offered support wherever I could, including helping with her three little boys when they weren’t able to be in school. The product as many of you know was the book “All the Time: Daily Devotions Finding Faith in the Everyday Moments.” Birthing and promoting that book became a family affair, and I thank all of you who purchased one or numerous copies.
Over the last year Meredith has parlayed that one project into four more: “Morning Devotional for Teen Girls”, “College Survival Guide for Christian Women”, “In His Hands: Prayer Journal for Women”, and “Live Free: A Galatians Bible Study”. All are available at Amazon.com.
When I sent out an announcement recently, a woman said, “You must be so proud.” Proud is such a strange word to use, because I feel as though I had so little to do with any of it. And I know that this is a glorious moment in her life, but it is a moment. It means more hard work, creating and promoting and enduring criticism and disappointment, sometimes from those closest to you. When you put yourself out there in this world, you better be tough. And Meredith is tough. She weathered a lot in her young life. As her mommy during some of the darkest of days, I was her staunchest advocate and prayer warrior. Of that I am proud. But honestly, I never dreamed it would come to this.
So, to you moms out there who are in a hard season with any or all of your children, remind yourself each day that you have given your all, including all your love. If you didn’t love so much, you wouldn’t hurt so much when your kids struggle. Know that they will sin and need a redeemer, just as you did. But also celebrate every achievement, small or huge. Be amazed! Your children are fearfully and wonderfully made. And you are a plenty good mom!
Love, Liz
