How are you doing these days, friend? It seems while we are in this surreal COVID crisis focusing on masks and hand-washing and social distancing, our Mother’s Day has snuck up on us and we’re really not sure what to do with it. Isolate and celebrate? Is that a thing? How do we go about finding JOY this Mother’s Day?
It’s going to be a little different this year. Whether we’re sheltering in place, in full lock-down mode, or starting to venture out into the new pandemic-pocked world—it’s going to be weird. Lonely for some. Sad for others. Definitely not normal. Maybe we even feel a little guilty for wanting a joy-filled celebration when so many are sick and hurting around the globe.
“Joy comes to us in ordinary moments. We risk missing out when we get too busy chasing down the extraordinary.” Brene Brown
But perhaps this is the year we realize just how precious the “ordinary graces” are in our everyday lives. We are extra grateful for our health and that of our loved ones. We notice the beauty of spring flowers as we pace around the block for the hundredth time.
Now that life has slowed down or at least come home, we are no longer counting on extraordinary experiences. Current mindset: imagine how glorious it would be to behold a shelf full of hand sanitizer!
“Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let joy overflow, for you are united with the Anointed One!” Philippians 4:4
So let’s celebrate the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, caregivers, teachers, adoptive mothers, spiritual mothers, mentors, and all the women who invest in the lives of others. And if you fall into that category—allow yourself time to find joy this one special day:
If you’re a writer, WRITE. List the joys and blessings of being a mother, having a mother, of mothers in every shape and form.
If you’re a talker, TALK. Call your own mom, tell tales to your kids, reminisce on sweet stories long forgotten.
If you’re a walker, WALK. Get out in nature as best you can and breathe in the freshest air you can find.
If you’re a crier, CRY. Nobody’s going to judge you, especially this year. Get those happy, sad, and everything-in-between tears out that you’ve been bottling up these past weeks.
If you’re a reader, READ. Immerse yourself in beautiful words and let the turning of the page be a therapeutic delight.
If you’re a baker, BAKE. Make something scrumptious to share with loved ones, try a brand-new recipe, have fun with your kids in the kitchen.
Whatever your thing is, why not embrace it in the name of joy this slow-paced Mother’s Day? Simple pleasures have become our greatest treasures, haven’t they? And if there’s one thing we’ve learned in this pandemic period, it’s to count our blessings. And motherhood shines bright on the list:
“Motherhood is a hallowed place because children aren’t commonplace. Co-laboring over the sculpting of souls is a sacred vocation, a humbling privilege. Never forget.” Ann Voskamp
And with hearts full of the deepest respect and gratitude, would you say a special prayer of thanksgiving and continued strength for those nurses, doctors, and all the front-line working moms today especially?
Wishing you a joy-filled Mother’s Day,
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