Mother's Day--It's Complicated

 I have a small collection of these vintage, framed sentiments.
Mostly Mother's Day makes me feel a bit guilty.  
I fell and continue to fall so short of being the mother
described in poems and on plaques.
I wish I knew how to "mother" my adult children better than I do.
My love for my own mother would be described in different terms than these.
It's complicated.
If nothing else, this day reminds me of how blessed I am
that my mother still lives!
There really aren't adequate words to express my appreciation to her
for giving me life and roots and for praying for me every day.
I will probably NEVER realize all the ways she has shaped me.
And I thank God for our three children.
They have turned out remarkably well in spite of my flawed mothering.
I'm proud of each one of them.

15 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing...I too have very mixed emotions on this holiday...sometimes I feel it is forced, and if you have some bad situations it tends to shadow over this day, however, I too am so thankful for the Mom God gave me, and for the privilege of having children of my own...and I too don't know how to parent adult children.
    Thanks and love the pictures.

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  2. That's not complicated at all. I think we all feel that way sometimes. Every experience is different but God uses each one. I've often told my kids that I do my best to do better where I felt my parents lacked and then make my own mistakes. They'll do the same as parents. All we can consciously do well is be generous with our love for our children (however that looks for us as individuals), and show respect and love to our parents (even if when it's hard).

    Enjoy your Mother's day. No guilt.

    Blessings, Debbie

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  3. I understand, these relationships can be complicated, and those sentiments on cards and plaques are soooo insincere!

    I think we must learn to thank our Mother's for who they are and what they have done for us, imperfect though it often is.

    I want to thank you for your encouraging comments on my blog! It's a blessing!
    Deanna

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  4. I agree totally with your previous
    commenter, just enjoy the day without
    the guilt. We have all done things
    wrong in mothering as we have in
    doing them correctly. God understands
    and knows our hearts and the love that
    is there for our children.
    Happy Mother's Day, Rebecca!

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  5. Hi Rebecca

    As a mother of three adult kids I too have had times with each one of them. I think it is all part of growing. I am so sentative and my 27 year old daughter reminded me of that last week when we were on a trip together. No matter what I do or say I have an unconditional love for each one of them as our Lord God has for us.

    Have a Happy Mothers Day
    Blessings
    Janet

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  6. I'm sure all of us feel like we failed in some way with our mothering. Life is that way. I believe, when our hearts are trying to mother the best we know, God steps in and fills in our gaps.

    I hope your Mother's Day is filled with love and blessings.
    Pamela

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  7. Oh gosh, Rebecca. I am SO RELIEVED to know others feel like I do. Mothering is very, very difficult. I gave it my all....my BEST of the best....but still fell short. And still continue, from time to time, to fall short. How human is that? ha!

    Whatever my parenting skills lacked, our adult children can correct with THEIR (future) children. And the beat goes on, generation after generation.

    Thank you for your honesty and sincerity. It means more to me than words can ever describe. Susan

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  8. Hi Rebecca! You are indeed fortunate to still have your mother. Mine passed on when I was only 23. I miss her still so much ~
    I see myself as growing along with my children. Sometimes, now, they teach me... God speaks to us in many ways and there's always something new to learn.
    Happy Mother's Day, Rebecca!
    Bless you always,
    Maria

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  9. The vintage Mother's Day sentiments are lovely :) :) I'm not a mother. So it's hard for me to comment. However, you do the best that you know how to do. Trust God in everything :) :) Have a lovely very Happy Mother's Day :) :) Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

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  10. On this Mother's Day I am traveling to Ok. City to try to help resolve some issues with my adult son. I totally understand your thoughts--I know my efforts at being a mom were (and still are) flawed, at best. I do know that the Lord understands these struggles and expects us to do only what we feel best at the time, with the Lord's help.

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  11. Amen! I agree thoroughly and identify with all that you said. . . Except that my Mom is not living on earth anymore. I do think of her and appreciate her influence and I am so glad for my dear, dear Mother-in-law!

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  12. I think we all can say we have felt like this, I know I have, and if you find the best way to parent adult children, please let me be the first to know.~smile~
    I have been absent from blogging this week, but wanted to come by and wish you a very blessed and happy Mother's Day.
    Hugs,
    sue

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  13. I'm not a very *poetic* mom, nobody would describe me and put it on a plaque!
    My mother is still alive but I don't get to see her very often. I am amazed at how much we are like each other. I see it more and more. She puts things in strange places and I decorate like she does........we're happy in a house with things that don't match!

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  14. Hello! I'm new here and am so enjoying a browse through your blogs! What a delight to the eyes and spirit they are. I wondered which post to leave a comment on, since I've read many over the last few minutes, but I chose this one--it's honest and true (YES! motherhood, daughterhood---it's all *very* complicated---and so worth persevering in, right?) and refreshing to read. I tend to feel the unease and guilt, but am not yet very comfortable saying so. It's nice to see it done with grace. God bless!

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  15. I'm the mother of grown married daughters with their own children, and the daughter of a mother now 93. Sometimes I just look at it all, all the ups and downs, and wonder at how relationships morph and grow and change. Underneath all the changes the foundation of love stays strong. I guess that is what holds us together.

    Darla

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Writing a Song a Week #3

Writing a Song a Week #3
♪ I wait for the Lord; my soul waits and in his word I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning ♪ (Psalm 130:5-6)