Mother’s Day
Reflection
Motherhood requires the selfless giving of oneself in order to bring forth, nurture and sustain life. A true mother makes space in her own life to take in another. There is an unconditional quality to motherhood and Its essence comes from the heart of the Creator. We see it not only in the human family but in all of nature. For a child, a loving mother is a harbor of safety and unceasing welcome. A mother’s love continues to surround her children but, when they are grown, she sets them free. This nourishing care is seen in the delight of a young mother in her child, in the bird sitting patiently on its eggs, in the mother cat carrying her kittens to safety, in a mother bear protecting her cubs. They are mothers all and the creative, faithful love of the God who delights in sustaining life is reflected through them.
Prayer
I thank you, Mother God, for the gift of my mother.
Action
Today let your mother know of your gratitude and love for all she is in your life. If she is no longer alive, reflect on her love and influence in your life and give thanks.
Suggested Reading
As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you
Isaiah 66:13
Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world.
John 16:21
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
Luke 2:51
To be a mother is a great treasure. Mothers, in their unconditional and sacrificial love for their children, are the antidote to individualism; they are the greatest enemies against war.
Pope Francis
This is the most extraordinary thing about motherhood – finding a piece of yourself separate and apart that all the same you could not live without.
Jodi Picoult
Mother is a verb. It’s something you do. Not just who you are.
Dorothy Canfield Fisher
The natural state of motherhood is unselfishness.
Jessica Lange
The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new.
Rajneesh
Being a mother means having my heart permanently stitched to my sleeve, out there and vulnerable and afraid, yet somehow finding such fulfillment and hope that I’m able to appreciate the extraordinary journey. Though it is maddening, terrifying at times, it is also glorious and beautiful; and the most absurd part is that I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Stephanie Jankowski
When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.
Sophia Loren
A mother’s arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them.
Victor Hugo
Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.
Barbara Kingsolver
I am sure that if the mothers of various nations could meet, there would be no more wars.
E. M. Forster
Motherhood is the biggest gamble in the world. It is the glorious life force. It’s huge and scary—it’s an act of infinite optimism.
Gilda Radner