Remembering Mothers

Available for 28 days

Good morning. Tomorrow is Mother’s Day, a day that carries a range of emotions. For many people — though not for all — hearts turn toward their mothers with gratitude and tenderness. There will no doubt be celebrations for the mothers who are still present in our lives. For me, it will be a day of remembering my own mother, who is no longer with us. She died in August 2013. As I reflect this morning on Mother’s Day, I realise that in the years since her death I have thought of her often, and I have noticed a change in how I now see her. With the passing of time, I find myself able to hold a wider range of memories and emotions — the good and the difficult, the laughter and the disagreements, the moments I understood at the time and those I only understand now. With the gift of time and distance, I see more clearly the sacrifices she made, the patience she showed, and the love that was real even when it was imperfect. I also notice that I am more forgiving of her faults and failings than I was in the past. Loving God, As Mother’s Day approaches, help us to remember with honesty, to give thanks without denial, and to trust that love, once given, is never lost. Within us there may be different emotions — love, regret, gratitude, sadness, peace. We place them all in your hands, knowing that you receive them without judgement. As we remember those mothers who have died, comfort all who grieve them. Heal what still aches, soften what still feels unresolved, and deepen our gratitude for the gift of love we were given. Amen.