My Thoughts on Mother's Day

This past weekend was Mother's Day; as always on the internet, there was some controversy.

I saw an article that covered a TikTok post by a young mom where she questions who she is supposed to celebrate on this holiday. Is she supposed to celebrate with her mother-in-law? Her own mother? When is she herself going to be celebrated? Of course, the comment section was very much divided but I think that mothers who are "in the trenches" (AKA with children at home) can feel that way at times, and I'm guilty of the same thing. But this year, God has done some work on my heart and I wanted to share my thoughts after seeing this post about Mother's Day.

I saw one comment say that once a mother becomes a grandmother that the torch of celebration for Mother's Day is passed on. I really don't believe that is the right thing to do. Please take a moment to think of all the things grandmothers do for their grandchildren, it can be a lot more than you realize. This is why I personally think, despite becoming a grandmother, that they should still be celebrated highly.

I feel as though maybe I have a unique outlook on this kind of thing due to my experience with parent loss. You may not want to celebrate your mother-in-law, your grandmother, or even your own mother because the day should be all about you and all your hard work (check your heart, Christian women). I think it's very important as the mother figures in our life get older that we continue to celebrate them. In most cases, if you have good mother figures like I do, they have worked hard to take care of you and raise you right. I think it's also worth noting that as we get older and aren't so reliant on our mothers, they can begin to feel left behind and forgotten so having this day during the year specifically to honor them is really important, in my opinion. Finally, I am here to tell you that one day and one day will most likely come a lot quicker than you expect, your grandmother won't be here. Your mother-in-law won't be here. Your mother won't even be here. If I was a betting person I would bet that when that time comes and Mother's Day rolls around, you would want nothing more than to go visit that person, invite them to dinner at your house, give them flowers or a handmade craft from the kids and to just simply tell them you love them and Happy Mother's Day. One day you would probably give much just to celebrate them one more time.

Moral of the story? Get over yourself. Stop being selfish. Be grateful that you have these women in your life because they won't always be there. I'm not saying you as a mother yourself shouldn't be celebrated, because you should, but don't leave out the women who shaped you and your family. For Mother's Day this year, we hosted a dinner for our moms and my granny at our house. Was it more work on me even with the help of my husband, stepdad, and father-in-law? Absolutely. Was it worth it and would I do it again tomorrow? Absolutely! The memories we made are way sweeter than anything I could've done going out by myself or being alone on Mother's Day. I urge you to think of the golden rule on this occasion; treat others as you want to be treated. How would you want your own kids to treat you on Mother's Day when they are grown? Again, I call you out to check your heart.

And what's with these women who don't want to be with their kids on Mother's Day?! The same lady who made this post I've referenced said that on Mother's Day, she doesn't want to be a mother. Don't get me wrong, I'm with my kids 24/7 and yes sometimes I need a break but not a full day's break. More like a "Hey I need a nap and an ice cream cone now let's all snuggle on the couch and watch Toy Story" kind of break. The same thing relates here, your kids won't always be home and may not always be close to you to be with you on Mother's Day so take advantage of having them. There will be plenty of years on your own, I can almost guarantee you.

Perspective and gratitude are powerful things.

Until next time.