To My Children on Mother's Day

To my children,

On this Mother's Day, your efforts to honor me are thoughtful.  You bless me with your words and gifts.  But in my heart this Mother's Day and every Mother's Day, I reflect on how much this day is actually about you.  This day solidifies and confirms my unwavering, tireless, and true devotion and love to you that will continue all the days of my life.

The Lord assigned you to me. Out of all the women in the world, He knit you together in my womb.  You didn't choose me.  You had no say in choosing the home that would shape you.  I am your mother, forever.  You are a gift from the Lord, and I will never be able to fully grasp how very precious it is that God allowed me to be your mom.  

Mothering you is my greatest work, my highest calling.  I am flawed and imperfect, completely dependent upon the Lord to allow me to mother you well.  But I will, indeed.  

This Mother's Day, I continue to promise you I will always be there.

I promise to pray for you.  In the big and small things, I will cover you in prayer.  I will plead with God on your behalf, beg Him to command His angels concerning you and ask Him to put His hand upon you all the days of your life.

I promise to hold you.  Even though you are much bigger and you are growing bigger still, I will grasp your hand when I'm beside you.  I will tuck my arm under your head when you lay beside me.  I will embrace you tightly every chance I get.  I will sit you on my lap even when you tower above me.

I promise to love you unconditionally.  I will be there for you when you make a mistake.  When you disappoint me, I will love you still.  When you're unlovable and difficult, my love will not waver.  I'll be loving you when it seems no one else does.  My love will never end, I promise, no matter what.

I promise to provide for you.  I'll cook for you and make you your favorites.  I'll work hard every day and spend little on myself.  I promise to not always give you what you want but I promise to always give you what you need.  

I promise to accept you.  When you don't fit in my box or when you disagree with my way of thinking, I will accept you.  If you are not doing something the way I think it should be done, I'll trust you.  I'll be the one to stand beside you as you spread your own wings, beaming with pride.

I promise to display peace.  I will not let the worries and burdens of this world penetrate our home.  I'll shield you from whatever ugliness I can, while helping you cope with what I can't.  I won't take too much seriously.  We will laugh and smile a lot.  I will remind you that we have victory in Jesus and nothing can conquer us.

I promise you so many things.  Since the moment I found out you existed inside of me, I've made these promises to you.  These promises I will keep forever.  That is what makes me a mother.

This Mother's Day and every day after, remember, it is about you.  In my eyes, it is always about you.