Sunday is Mother’s Day in America. And this holiday can be tough for some women.
While some are buying roses or making a special dinner for their moms, you are missing yours. Maybe she has passed, or lives far away, or you’ve had a falling out. Whatever the reason, you won’t see her.
On the converse, maybe you had or have a great mom. She’s kind, caring, and nurturing. She listens to you and encourages you. She always wants the best for you. What a blessing! Cherish that.
However, if you are a single woman who really wants to be a mom herself, this holiday might be difficult for you as well.
To be sure, not every single woman wants to jump into the family life. But for the ones who really want to be a mom—and struggle with it—Mother’s Day can be a tough day. Others have what you want, a husband and a family, but it just hasn’t happened for you.
So what do you do with those feelings of disappointment, longing and sadness?
While you may not be a mom right now in the traditional sense, there are other ways to pour out all the love and nurture you have in your heart to others.
Here are a few examples.
You can be a spiritual mom to other women in your church or neighborhood. There could be a young mom who needs your ideas or feedback. You can be a listening ear. And a friend to her. It will bless your young friend and provide a way to express your nurturing or mothering ways.
You may be a godmother, a special person who is influential in the life of a niece, nephew or child of a friend. You can speak into his or her life words of wisdom, bring joy and laughter, or teach them a skill or craft. Mostly, you can just be their friend.
I am a godmother to a special girl who is now 12. I enjoy spending time with her and her siblings.
Of course, you don’t have to have the “godmother” title to pour into the lives of other kids—whether they are relatives, friends or kids in the church or community.
You can just be your wonderful self and bring your personality, your kind friendship to the life of a child.
Maybe you’re a pet mom. And you pour your love and attention into a furry (or not-so-furry) cat, dog, or other creature. It’s been said that “Pets are friends with fur.” If you don’t have a pet, this may be a good time to get one if you’ve got the love and care to give to a special animal.
This Mother’s Day, you can choose to:
Celebrate your own mom or her memory. Send a card or gift, or Facetime your mom if you can’t be together on this holiday.
Remember the mom you had, if she has passed, and all the wonderful things she had done.
If you’re not in a good place with your mom right now, ask God to help you forgive the hurt (or vice versa) and bring reconciliation.
Thank God for the present. Be grateful for “now.” Right now, you may be single and not have children. But that could change.
One day, you may have the husband and kids you desire and life will look very different. Cherish the time you have now.
And if that does not happen for you, God will give you peace and purpose in the life that unfolds for you in the years to come.
Ask God for the desires of your heart. If you truly want a family, ask God and pray about it. Continue to develop the skills of good communication, listening, and patience. You will need them in life—family or not.
We can come boldly and humble to the throne of God and ask for what we need, and in His infinite love and mercy He will answer. In His way and timing.
Children or no children, I believe God will give you the best life for you to accomplish His good purposes.
So, Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and moms-of-another kind!
Blessings and joy to you on this special day.
Jackie
Photo credits: Woman with child. Photo by Tamara Bellis and all other photos, Jackie M. Johnson.
