When Mother's Day is Hard

By: Jenifer Metzger

Mother's Day is only days away. For many women, they are looking forward to the day. A time with their loved ones. A day of being showered with love and appreciation. Yet for others, they are dreading the day. It's a day of painful reminders.

The truth is, Mother's Day isn't an easy day for every woman. It's a time when she grieves the loss of her own mother deeply. It's a time when she grieves the loss of her child. A time when she mourns a barren womb. A time when she is reminded of the brokenness in her family. Yes, Mother's Day can be a painful day.

If you are in the category of dreading Mother's Day, friend, I am so sorry. My heart aches with you. Here are a few ways to help you cope with the day:

Lean on God. He knows your heart and He knows what you have faced. He knows where you are grieving and He even knows where you are angry. Be real and honest with yourself and with God and lean on Him.

God is our refuge and strength,

a helper who is always found

in times of trouble.

Psalm 46:1 CSB

Give thanks. Yes, give thanks. Give thanks for the blessings God has given to you. I know you are facing pain and finding something to be thankful for may be difficult. But sister, dig deep. There is always something we can give thanks for. When we are expressing gratitude to God, our mindset shifts and we can find joy.

 Give thanks in everything; for this

is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 CSB

Shift your focus. While we have been trained to look at Mother's Day as a day of being honored and celebrated, shift your focus to honoring and celebrating others. This could mean joining with another woman who struggles with the day and honoring her. Maybe honoring a woman who has recently lost her mother or child. Maybe celebrating a single mom. Even honoring your pastor's wife. The old saying, it is better to give than to receive is true. We can find joy when we honor and celebrate others.

Carry one another’s burdens; in this

way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galations 6:2 CSB

If you are in the other category, the one who loves Mother's Day is and is anticipating all the day will hold, I am so happy for you! What a blessing! But I want to encourage you. Among your celebrating, reach out to a woman who may be dealing with pain or loss. Bring her a small gift of flowers or maybe slippers and a candle, just something to brighten her day a little. If possible, invite her to lunch or take her out for coffee. Help her feel seen and loved.

Mother's Day invokes many feelings and emotions in all of us; some positive and some negative. Whichever side we fall on, we can still enjoy the day and find pockets of joy.

I wish all of you a blessed and beautiful Mother's Day. Whether you are a bio mom, adoptive mom, foster mom, step mom, grandma, auntie, spiritual mom, mother figure, or whatever your situation may be, Happy Mother's Day.

Discussion:
1. Is Mother's Day a day that you've been looking forward to or dreading?
2. Either way, how can you find pockets of joy in this holiday?