A mother's heart

Yesterday, besides being Pentecost, was also "Mothers Day". I am glad that both celebrations were mentioned at the church I visit on and off. In fact, I was very moved by the pastor's prayer for mothers (his own elderly mother was present). We were all reminded that "mothers can't just resign, as from a job, however tough it gets and that even when mothers are sick they carry on to make sure things are well for their family". Knowing this from the 'inside' is different from just being the grateful recipients of such love. But speaking from the 'inside' I also know that it is a struggle at times. As a mother, there are times I wish I could resign, of course knowing full well that even if given the chance, I would not. But in reality a mother's heart is 'broken' almost as many times as it is full of joy. Even though I know the importance of allowing children to grow and go their own way, it can be a painful experience when they make choices that I would not make for them. Loving unconditionally is far easier in theory than in practice. At the same time, once these growing pains are borne with loving compassion, a mother's heart 'enlarges', and she is able to love to greater depths.

Having two sons and no daughters, I realize that as they grow up, we will grow apart, and we are already. They may have been close to me at a younger age, but now their interests are totally different. I 'envy' those mothers who have daughters - those who grow closer as the years go by, having many things in common (the 'female' things like cooking, shopping, handicrafts etc) to do with one another.

I received a beautiful gift from my sons yesterday. This is not their usual practice, but they must have thought harder this time. Often the gifts of shower gels, shampoos etc are not to my liking - and I sometimes take ages to finish them. This time I got a jigsaw of a picture of puppies. They thought hard and realized that I love dogs, though not having enough space at home for more than one. It is a jigsaw I can't wait to start - though with 750 pieces it will take some time. Well, the fun is in the doing, not just in the end result!

A mother's heart.......always growing to embrace all things. Only because we learn and receive the ability to love from God who shows us both a Father's and Mother's love.