A Mother’s Day Gift That Changes Everything

A moment I will never forget. I had spoken at a women’s event where I knew no one. I was seated at an empty table (my thoughtful hosts had made sure I was first in line at the buffet), wondering who God might bring to sit next to me. And then I saw her, a lovely young mom who made her way slowly to my table, clearly having some mobility challenges. 

She began to share with me what Mom to Mom had meant to her that year, how it had helped in parenting her daughter. Then she paused. “But the biggest thing I learned, Linda—by far the most important—was how much God loves me. Really loves me. Even me, with all my struggles and challenges.” She paused, and then continued. “And you know, Linda, when you get that—really get that—it changes everything.”

Yes it does. God’s love changes everything. It has for me. It can for you. But what? Really—let’s get real here. God’s amazing love extended to us through Jesus does not guarantee you a perfect husband, or perfect kids—or even a perfect you. It does not promise you all sunny skies, or that nothing hard will happen to you. 

But here’s what it has changed for me. Through the many twists and turns in the plot of mom-life. When we get it—really get it—how much God loves us, we can:

Love better.
We love out of the overflow of His love for us. A mother’s love is an amazing thing. But in the everyday, nitty gritty of life with a 2-year-old (or a teen), it can run out at the end of the day. Or, in the case of my super-early-riser kids, sometimes at the beginning. I had many a conversation with God: “Lord, I am exhausted, exasperated, completely depleted. Please give me your love for this child. Show me how to love this particular kid at this particular stage.” And He did. Not magically, in a moment. But as God’s love through Jesus flowed into me, I learned to love out of the overflow. “We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

Laugh better.
Laughter is so freeing, so healthy. And because “we know the end of the story,” as Dorothy Sayers famously said, we don’t have to be so uptight all the time, worrying about how life will turn out. It’s not all on us. We know Who’s really in charge. Hint: It’s not you!

I have seen laughter ease tension and build bridges with husbands, kids, extended family, friends. Even in the cancer center where Woody spent so many years as an oncologist. Even, in recent years, in memory-care residences. It is a gift from God. Take it with you wherever you go. 

Live better.
Because of Jesus—the ultimate manifestation of God’s stunning love for us—we can be freed from the bondage to sin and self. And perfectionism. Of course you are not a perfect mom. Or a perfect person at all. That’s why God sent Jesus, who knows us best but loves us anyway. We don’t have to live life so scared. Everything—you, your family, your future—is in His hands. Good hands! 

God meant what He said: “Don’t panic. I am with you. There’s no need for fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” (Isaiah 41:10, The Message). And because of His love, because of Jesus, you and I can love better, laugh better, and just plain live better. In a no-matter-what kind of way.

Happy Mother’s Day!