My Journey’s My Own

A Devotional

“A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dates all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.” Agatha Christy

Mary, the Virgin Mother. The one chosen, for whatever reason, to endure what millions of parents have endured over the centuries. To lose her child to death. She, however, was to be elevated to Sainthood and revered for all time. She knew early on that her child would die. That He was sent here to die for our sins, for her sins. How did she go on knowing that? How did she trust God and not run away and try to hide him? It is what most of us would have done. We would not have been so devout. At least I don’t think I would have been. 

I am no Mary. I’ve never conversed with angels or been told I am to carry the Messiah. I don’t pretend to be anywhere near a saint. 

I am a regular mom. 

The kind that has to scream to be heard. The kind that has to lose her shit for anyone to do anything they’re asked. The kind that loves so fiercely that one unkind word from her kids sends her reeling and feeling like a failure. The kind that will fight a bear for her children yet needs them to kill a spider for her. 

Regular

Children are an odd bunch. They can turn you gray haired, give you a heart condition, wrinkles and sleepless nights and yet fill your heart, mind and soul with so much love that you would literally die for them. One smile from those cute little faces can just melt your heart. They ruin our bodies and homes yet we are their protectors, teachers, chauffeurs and snack bitches. We adore them, and we often have more than one! Most of us would say we would do it again and again. 

And we would. I bet Mary would have too. 

Because there is nothing comparable to being a mother and the love we have for our children.

Eve had it. Mary had it. Sarah had it. Ruth had it. We have it. 

Our daughters and granddaughters will have it. 

It’s primal. It’s raw. 

Oh sure, we complain. We joke about selling them, once in a while, to gypsies. But we wouldn’t really do it. We do, however, deserve a girls night out or a nice bubble bath once in a while. For some it may just be going pee alone! For this veteran Mom, it is simply needing some time with my teenager and my grown children. For them to show me that I’m still relevant in their lives. That I’m still needed. 

That I still matter. 

That I’m still loved. 

As we age that need increases. Kids grow up and have their own lives, as they should. Momma gets pushed to the side and that small person who needed you every second doesn’t seem to need you at all. You become unnecessary. 

Forgotten. 

Yet, your love for them is so deep that you crave time and attention from them the way they used to crave it from you. The tables have turned. You wait with bated breath for every phone call or text you get like it’s your first drink of water in weeks. 

Do not take time for granted. No matter where you are in life’s timeline. Tomorrow isn’t promised. Use your mom love every chance you get. Snuggle your babies, hug your littles, play with your kids, hang out with your teens, chat with your adult kids and offer to watch your grands. Be present and love with all your heart. In their lives we are like Mary. We are the ultimate mom, the one they compare others to.

Be worthy.  

Actions/Questions:

What’s one thing you could do with your kiddos in the next few days that would be special to them?

Say something to each of your kids about how special they are to you. Make sure they know why you love them. Use words like “proud, special, amazing, hard worker, strong, beautiful” etc. 

Verses:

“When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.” John 16:21

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Proverbs 31:28–29